Division 
F..ction 


JUL  :-.•-  1924 

STUDIES  IN  THE  '%«!CAy^ 
LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS 
OF  OUR  LORD 

By  R.  A.  TORREY,  D.  D. 

Author  of  "What  the  Bible  Teaches," 
"How  to  Bring  Men  to  Christ,"  "The 
Wondrous  Joy  of  Soul  -  Winning," 
"The  Return  of  the  Lord  Jesus,"    etc. 


LOS  ANGELES,  CAL 
THE    BIOLA    BOOK    ROOM 

Bible  Institute  of  Los  Angeles 
558    SOUTH    HOPE    STREET 


Copyright,  1907,  1908  and  1909 


Copyright  owned  by  the 
BIBLE  INSTITUTE  OF  LOS  ANGELES 


EXPLANATORY 


Vv  hat  This     ^   consecutive,  systematic  course  of  studies  in  our  Lord's  life  and  teach- 
Work  is       ings,    divided    into    140   lessons,    each   complete    in    itself,    and    adapted 
either  for  individual  or  class  use. 

TV.     A    ^-v.  ^^'  '^°^^^V  h^s  had  years  of  experience  that  particularly  fit  him  to  write 

such  a  work.  A  graduate  of  Yale  University  and  Yale  Theological  Semi- 
nary, he  also  spent  some  time  in  study  in  Germany.  Then  followed  a  ministry  of  more 
than  twenty  years  as  a  pastor.  He  was  selected  by  D.  L.  Moody  to  be  superintendent  of 
The  Moody  Bible  Institute  of  Chicago  in  1889.  Since  then  he  has  continuously  taught  the 
Bible  at  the  Institute,  at  Bible  conferences,  etc.  His  world-wide  experience,  in  later  years 
especially,  as  evangelist  and  Bible  teacher  have  also  shown  him  how  to  help  and  instruct 
young  converts  and  other  students  of  the  Bible.  His  helpful  books  on  the  Bible  and 
other  themes  are  well  known. 

»r»i_  «»•  ^1-  J  The  method  is  workable,  and  is  calculated  to  develop  the  student's  own 
The  Method        .,  ,  -  j-  i  u     t.u,  .r      t    • 

gifts,  and  that  m  direct  work  upon  the  Bible  text  itself.     It  is  not  too 

laborious  in  quantity  or  manner  for  the  every-day  Christian.  It  is  the  method  of  modern 
science:  first  a  discovery  of  the  facts,  and  then  a  classification  of  the  teachings.  The  facts 
are  discovered  by  questions  and  answers.  Dr.  Torrey  asks  the  questions,  the  student — 
each  for  himself  or  herself — answers  the  questions  from  the  open  Bible.  Dr.  Torrey  gives 
a  classification  of  the  teachings,  but  each  student  should  carry  the  discovery  and  classifica- 
tion further  for  himself. 

No  subject  of  Bible  study  is  more  vital,  fruitful  or  popular   than  the  life  and 
teachings  of  our  Lord.     Obviously,  every  young  convert  ought  immediately  to 
get  well  acquainted  with  His  person  and  work,  while  every  Christian  is  exhorted  to  grow  in 
the  grace  and  knowledge  of  Him. 

As  a  suggestive  commentary  on  the  Four  Gospels,  it  has  special  value,  bringing 
together  the  teachings  of  Christ  on  a  given  subject,  also  awakening  in  the  student  a  desire 
for  personal  Scripture  research.  Constant  use  is  made  of  parallel  passages  and  pertinent 
reference  to  other  parts  of  the  Bible  . 

Personal  applications   are  made   from    time  to    time,   thus  feeding   the 
Other  student's  soul  and  developing   him   in   Christian   experience  and  work. 

Advantageous     ^^^   teacher   and   Christian  worker  will   find  the  lessons  full  of  side- 
Features 

studies,  suggestions  and  outlines  for  Bible  readings  and  addresses.     For 

the  brief  notation  of  such  additional  matter  the  wide  margins  throughout  this  book  will  be 

found  convenient  and  probably  sufficient. 

No  outfit  is  required  beyond  this  volume  and  a  copy  of  the  English  Bible.     It  will 
be  seen  that  occasional  references  are  made  to  the  Revised  Version,  so  that  the 

student  is  advised  to  use  a  copy  for  reference. 


LIST   OF   LESSONS,  THEIR   SUBJECTS   AND    SCRIPTURE 
REFERENCES. 


LESSON 

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The  Prologue  of  John's  Gospel.    John  i  :i-i8. 

The  Birth  of  Jesus  the  Messiah,  and  the  Visit  of  the  Magi.    Matthew  2:1-18. 

The  Birth  of  Jesus  the  Prince  of  Peace.    Luke  2:1-20. 

The  Circumcision   of   Jesus,  and   His    Presentation    in   the   Temple.     Luke 

2:21-39. 
The  Childhood  of  Jesus.     Luke  2:40-52. 
The  Ministry  of  John  the  Baptist.    Luke  3:1-18. 
The  Baptism  of  Our  Lord.     Mark  i  :9-ii. 
The  Temptation  of  Our  Lord.     Matthew  4:1-11. 
John  the  Baptist's  Testimony  Regarding  Our  Lord.    John  i :  19-34. 
Our  Lord's  First  Disciples.    John  i  :35-5i. 
Our  Lord's  First  Miracle.    John  2:1-12. 
The  First  Cleansing  of  the  Temple.     John  2:13-25. 

Eternal  Life :    What  It  Is,  What  It  Cost,  and  Who  Can  Have  It.    John  3  :i-2i. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  of  Samaria.    John  4:1-30. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Samaritans.    John  4:31-42. 
Our  Lord  Restoring  the  Nobleman's  Son.    John  4:43-54. 
Our  Lord  Rejected  at  Nazareth.     Luke  4:16-32. 
The  Call  of  the  First  Four  Disciples.     Luke  5:1-11. 
"A  Prophet  Mighty  in  Word  and  Deed  Before  God  and  All  the  People." 

Mark  i  :2i-35. 
Our  Lord's  First  Evangelistic  Tour  in  Galilee.     Mark  i  :36-45. 
Our  Lord  Teaching  the   Ignorant,  Forgiving  the   Sinner   and   Healing  the 

Sick.    Mark  2:1-12. 
The  Call  of  Matthew  the  Publican.    Luke  5  :27-39. 
The  Healing  of  a  Man  Who  Had  Been   Thirty  and   Eight  Years   in  His 

Infirmity.    John  5:1-16. 
Jesus,  the  Son  of  Man  and  Son  of  God.    John  5:17-47. 
Our  Lord  Teaching  Regarding  the  Sabbath.     Mark  2  ■.2^  to  3  :6. 
The  Appointment  of  the  Twelve  Apostles.     Mark  3  :7-i9. 
The  Sermon  on  the  ]\Iount.    Matthew  5:1-16. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount — (Continued).    Matthew  5:17-48. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount — CContinued).     Matthew  6:1-18. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount— (Continued).    Matthew  6: 19-34- 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount— (Continued).     Matthew  7:1-12. 
2 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount— (Concluded).    Matthew  7:13-29. 

The  Centurion's  Servant.    Luke  7:1-10. 

The  Raising  of  the  Widow's  Son  at  Nain.    Luke  7:11-17. 

John  the  Baptist's  Last  Message  to  Our  Lord.     Luke  7:18-35. 

Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  Who  Was  a  Sinner.    Luke  7  :36-5o. 

The  Unpardonable  Sin.     Mark  3  :20-35. 

The  Parable  of  the  Sower.    Matthew  13:1-23. 

The  Parable  of  the  Wheat  and  Tares.    Matthew  13:24-30,  36-43. 

The  Growth  of  the  Kingdom.    Mark  4:26-29;  Matthew  13:31-33. 

Three  Parables:     The  Hid  Treasure,  the  Merchant  Seeking  Goodly  Pearls, 

and  the  Net  Cast  Into  the  Sea.    Matthew  13  :44-52. 
Our  Lord  Stilling  the  Tempest.     Mark  4  :35-4T. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Gadarene  Demoniac.     Mark  5:1-20. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  Who  Had  the  Issue  of  Blood.    Mark  5  :24-34. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Daughter  of  Jairus.     Mark  5  :2i-23,  35-43. 
Our  Lord's  Second  Rejection  at  Nazareth.     Matthew  9:27-34;  Mark  6:1-6. 
The  Mission  of  the  Twelve.    Matthew  9:35  to  10:10. 
The  Death  of  John  the  Baptist.    Mark  6:14-29. 
The  Feeding  of  the  Five  Thousand.     Mark  6  :30-44. 
Our  Lord  Walking  on  the  Water.    Matthew  14:22-36. 
Discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life.    John  6:22-51. 

The  Results  of  Our  Lord's  Discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life.    John  6:52-71. 
Our   Lord    Exposes    the    Traditions    of   the    Scribes    and    Pharisees.      Mark 

7:1-23. 
The  Syrophoenician  Woman.    Matthew  15  :2i-28. 
Our  Lord  in  Decapolis :     Healing  the  Sick,  Opening  the  Ears  of  the  Deaf, 

Giving   Speech   to   the   Dumb,    Feeding  the   Hungry.      Matthew    15:29-31; 

IMark  7:31  to  8:10. 

56  123     Our  Lord  in  the   Parts   of  Dalmanutha   and   in   Bethsaida :      Answering  the 

Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  and  Healing  a  Blind  Man.     Matthew  16:1-12. 

57  127     Peter's    Confession    of   Jesus   as   the    Christ,   the    Son    of   the  Living   God. 

Matthew  16:13-20. 

Our  Lord  Preparing  His  Disciples  For  His  Crucifixion.     Matthew  16  :2i-28. 

The  Transfiguration.     Matthew  17:1-13. 

Our  Lord  Healing  the  Demoniac  Boy  at  the  Foot  of  the  Mount  of  Trans- 
figuration.   Mark  9: 14-29. 
61         135     Christ  Again  Foretelling   His  Death  and  Resurrection   and   Discoursing  on 
Humilit}^     Matthew  17:22  to  18:14. 

The  Duty  of  Forgiving  Those  Who  Sin  Against  L^s.     Matthew  18:15-35. 

Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles.     John  7:1-24. 

Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles— (Continued).     John  7:25-36. 

Our  Lord  on  the  Last  and  Great  Day  of  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles.     John 
7 :37-53- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


Jesus  The  Light  of  the  World.    John  8:12-24. 

Jesus  The  One  Who  Makes  Free  Indeed.    John  8:25-47. 

"Before  Abraham  Was,  I  Am."    John  8:48-59. 

Our  Lord  Steadfastl}'  Setting  His  Face  to  Go  to  Jerusalem.    Luke  9:51-62. 

The  Mission  of  the  Seventy.     Luke  10:1-16. 

The  Return  of  the  Seventy.    Luke  10:17-24;  Matthew  11:25-30. 

The  Good  Samaritan.     Luke  10:25-37. 

Our  Lord  and  Martha  and  Marj'.     Luke  10:38-42. 

The  Healing  of  the  Man  Born  Blind.     John  9:1-41. 

Jesus  The  Good  Shepherd.    John  10:1-21. 

Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Dedication.    John  10:22-42. 

Our  Lord  Teaching  His  Disciples  How  to  Pray.    Luke  11  :i-i3. 

The  Folly  of  Laying   Up   Treasure    For   One's    Self   and   Not    Being    Rich 

Toward  God.    Luke  12:13-21. 
The  Folly  of  Anxiety.     Luke  12  :22-34. 

The  Wisdom  of  Watching  For  the  Lord's  Return.     Luke  12  :35-48. 
One  More  Opportunity.    Luke  13:1-17. 
Jesus  Journeying  Toward  Jerusalem.     Luke  13  :22-35. 
The  True  Way  to  Keep  the  Sabbath.    Luke  14:1-6 ;  Isaiah  58:13,  14. 
How  to  Find  Honor  Here  and  Recompense  Hereafter.    Luke  14 :7-i4. 
Man's  Excuses.    Luke  14:15-24. 
Conditions  of  Discipleship.     Luke  14:25-35. 
Parables  of  the  Lost  Sheep  and  the  Lost  Coin.    Luke  15:1-10. 
Parable  of  the  Lost  Son.    Luke  15:11-24. 
The  Unjust  Steward.    Luke  16:1-18. 
The  Rich  Man  and  Lazarus.    Luke  16:19-31. 
Mary  and  Martha's  Message  to  Our  Lord  Wlien  Their  Brother  Lazarus  Was 

Sick.     John  11  :i-i6. 
The  Resurrection  of  Lazarus.    John  11:17-45. 

The  Conspiracy  Formed  Against  the  Life  of  Our  Lord.     John  11  :46-57. 
The  Ten  Lepers.    Luke  17:11-19. 

Our  Lord  Teaching  His  Disciples  to  Pray  Through.     Luke  18:1-8. 
The  Pharisee  and  the  Publican.    Luke  18:9-14. 
Jesus'    Teaching    Concerning    Marriage,    Divorce,    and    Children.      Matthew 

19:3-15- 
The  Rich  Young  Ruler.    Mark  10:17-27. 
How  God  Rewards  His  Servants.    Matthew  19:27  to  20:16. 
The  Ambition  of  James  and  John.     Mark  10  :32-4S- 
Jesus  and  Bartimeus.    Luke  18:35-43. 
Jesus  and  Zaccheus.    Luke  19:1-10. 
The  Parable  of  the  Pounds.    Luke  19:11-28. 
The  Anointing  of  Jesus  by  Mary  of  Bethany.    Matthew  26:6-16. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


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Jesus'  Triumphal  Entry  Into  Jerusalem.     Luke  19:29-44. 

The  Cursing   of   the    Barren   Fig   Tree,    and   the    Second    Cleansing   of   the 

Temple.    Mark  11  :i2-26. 
107        238     The  Parahle  of  the  Two   Sons  and  the  Unfaithful  Husbandmen.     Matthew 

21  123-46. 
The  Parable  of  the  Marriage  Feast  of  the  King's  Son.     Matthew  22:1-14. 
Christ's  Teaching  Concerning  Civil  Government.     Matthew  22:15-22. 
The  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  Questioning  Christ  and  Christ  Questioning  the 

Pharisees.     Matthew  22 :23-46. 
Christ  Exposing  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees.    Matthew  23:1-36. 
The  Gentiles  Seeking  Jesus  and  the  Jews  Rejecting  Jesus.    John  12:20-50. 
Jesus'  Prophecies  Concerning  the   Destruction   of  Jerusalem.     Luke  21  :5-24. 
Jesus'  Prophecies  Concerning  His  Own  Coming  Again.     Matthew  24:29-51. 
The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins.     Matthew  25:1-13. 
The  Parable  of  the  Talents.     Matthew  25:14-30. 
The  Judgment  of  the  Nations.    Matthew  25  :3i-46. 
The  Institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper.    Luke  22:7-20. 
Jesus  Washing  the  Disciples'  Feet.    John  13:1-17. 
Jesus  Predicts  That  One  of  the  Twelve  Should  Betray  Him  and  Another 

Deny  Him.    John  13:18-38. 

121  279     Thoughts  For  the  Comfort  of  Jesus'  Disciples  During  the  Absence  of  Their 

Lord.     John  14:1-14. 

122  283     Further  Thoughts  For  the  Comfort  of  Jesus'  Disciples  During  the  Absence 

of  Their  Lord.     John  14:15-27. 

123  286     "I  Am  the  True  Vine,  and  My  Father  Is  the  Husbandman."    John  15:1-17. 

124  290     The   Hatred  of  the  World  Toward  the  Disciples  of  Jesus.     John   15:18  to 

16:6. 

125  292     Jesus'  Last  Words  to  His  Disciples  Before  His  Arrest,  Trial  and  Crucifixion. 

John  16:7-33. 
Our  Lord's  Prayer  For  His  People.    John  17. 
Jesus  in  Gethsemane.     Matthew  26:36-46. 

The  Arrest  of  Jesus  and  Peter's  Denial.     Mark  14  :43-54,  66-72. 
Jesus  Before  Caiaphas  and  the  Sanhedrin.     Mark  14:55-65. 
Jesus'  Trial  Before  Pilate.    Luke  23:1-25. 
Pilate's  Attempts  to  Release  Jesus.    John  19:1-16. 
The  Crucifixion.     Luke  23  :26-38. 

The  Death  of  Jesus.    Luke  23  :39-45 ;  Matthew  27  :45-56. 
The  Burial  of  Jesus.    John  19:31-42;  Matthew  27:61-66. 
The  Resurrection  of  Jesus.     Mark  16:1-11;  John  20:1-18. 
Jesus  Appears  to  Two  Disciples  on  the  Way  to  Emmaus.    Luke  24:13-35. 
Jesus'  Two    Appearances    and    Conversations    With    His    Apostles.      John 

20:19-31- 


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6  STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 

LESSON     PAGE 

138  335    Jesus'  Appearance  to  Seven  Disciples  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee.     John  21  :i-24. 

139  339    Jesus'  Appearance  to  the    Eleven    on    the    Mountain    in    Galilee.      Matthew 

28:16-20. 

140  341     Jesus'  Last  Appearance  to  His  Disciples  in  Jerusalem,  and  His  Ascension 

From  Bethany.     Luke  24  :44-53. 


[For  Map  of  Palestine  and  Textual  Index,  See  Pages  345-347]. 


studies    in  the    Life   and  Teachings   of  0\ir  Lord. 


LESSON  1. 


The  Prologue  of  John's 

DISCOVERY  OF  FACTS. 

J.  Jesus  the  Word  of  God,  w.  1-3. 
How  far  back  does  this  lesson  carry  us? 
What  do  we  find  back  in  eternity?  What 
is  the  noticeable  difference  between  verse  i 
and  Genesis  1:1?  Why  is  our  Lord  called 
"the  WORD"?  What  three  facts  about  the 
WORD  does  verse  i  teach  us?  Is  this  doc- 
trine found  elsewhere?  (Col.  1:17;  Rev. 
22:13).  Is  Jesus  Christ  called  "God"  else- 
where? (Is.  9:6;  Ro.  9:5;  Titus  2:13, 
R.  v.;  2  Peter  i  :i,  R.  V.;  Heb.  1:8,  6). 
What  is  the  first  work  of  the  WORD  that 
is  mentioned?  What  is  meant  by  the  word 
"by"  in  verse  3?  (See  margin  R.  V.;  Eph. 
3:9;  Col.  1:16;  Heb.  1:2;  11:3;  Ps.  33:6). 
What  new  idea  does  the  last  clause  of  verse 
3  bring  in?  (Col.  i  :i7).  What  comfort  is 
there  in  the  thought  that  He  made  us? 

2.  Jesus  the  Life  and  Light  of  Men,  w. 
4,5- 

Where  is  life  to  be  found?  (I  John  5: 
11;  John  5:21,  26;  I  Cor.  15:45;  I  John 
1:2;  John  14:6;  11:25).  How  then  is  life 
to  be  obtained?  (I  John  5:12).  What  is 
meant  by  "and  the  life  was  the  Light  of 
men"?  (I  John  1:2;  John  8:12;  9:5; 
12:35,  46).  Where  did  this  Light  send 
forth  its  rays?  Where  ought  we  to  let  our 
light  shine?  What  was  this  darkness?  To 
what  period  of  religious  history  does  this 
refer?  How  did  the  darkness  receive  the 
light?  (R.  V.)  Why  did  it  not  apprehend 
it?     ( I  Cor.  2:14;  John  3:19,  20). 


Gospel.     John  1:1-18. 

J.    A  Man  sent  from  God  to  bear  witness 
of  the  Light,  vv.  6-13. 

What  means  did  God  use  to  bring  men 
to  appreciate  and  lay  hold  of  the  Light? 
What  is  God's  usual  method  in  bringing 
men  to  appreciate  and  lay  hold  of  the 
Light?  Was  John  the  only  witness  God 
sent?  (John  15:26,  27;  5:36).  Upon 
whom  does  God  bestow  that  honor  to-day? 
How  did  John  show  his  appreciation  of  the 
honor?  (vv.  15,  19,  26,  27,  29,  32-34.  36; 
3:34-36).  How  do  you  show  that  you  ap- 
preciate it?  What  was  God's  purpose  in 
sending  John?  Why  does  God  want  all 
men  to  believe?  (i  Tim.  2:4;  2  Pet.  3:9). 
Was  John  himself  the  Light?  Were  there 
any  who  were  in  danger  of  ihinking  that  he 
was?  Are  there  any  to-day  who  are  in 
danger  of  thinkifig  the  preacher  himself  is 
the  light?  What  sort  of  a  light  was  it  to 
which  John  was  to  bear  witness?  How  far 
does  that  light  shed  forth  its  rays?  How 
was  the  WORD,  the  Life,  the  Light  treated 
by  men?  (vv.  10-13).  Where  was  our 
Lord  prior  to  His  incarnation?  Did  the 
world  recognize  Him?  To  whom  did  He 
come?  Who  were  meant  by  "His  own"? 
What  did  they  do?  Did  this  hurt  Himf 
Whom  did  it  hurt?  Did  all  reject  Him? 
What  did  He  do  for  those  who  received 
Him?  (R.  V.)  To  whom  does  He  give 
this  right  to-day?  What  is  it  to  receive 
Him?  What  is  God's  definition  of  "believ- 
ing on  His  name"?  Who  are  these  men 
who  receive  Him?    Where  will  we  find  the 


8 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


truth  about  regeneration  more  fully  brought 
out?  (John  3:1-15;  James  1:18;  I  Pet. 
I  :23).  How  many  of  those  who  believe 
are  born  of  God?     (See  Gal.  3:26). 

4.     The  WORD  become  flesh,  vv.  14-18. 

As  the  WORD  was  not  received  in  His 
spiritual  presence  in  the  world,  what  further 
did  He  do?  What  does  "become  flesh" 
mean?  (Phil.  2:6,  7;  I  John  1:1,  2). 
What  is  the  literal  meaning  of  the  word 
translated  "dwelt"  in  v.  14?  (R.  V.  mar- 
gin). Of  what  promises  was  this  the  real- 
ization? What  became  possible  for  us 
through  His  incarnation?  What  was  the 
character  of  His  glory?  What  was  John's 
testimony  regarding  Him?  What  was 
there  in  Him  (v.  16)  ?  What  may  we  do 
with  this  fulness?  What  is  meant  by 
"grace  for  grace"?  What  was  the  differ- 
ence between  the  mission  of  Moses  and  the 
mission  of  Jesus?  In  what  sense  have  men 
seen  God?  (Ex.  24:10;  Is.  6:1).  How 
did  the  apostles  themselves  see  God? 
(John  14:9).  If  no  man  has  seen  God, 
how  may  we  fully  know  God?  (v.  18,  com- 
pare John  14:9). 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus  Christ. 

(i).  What  He  is: 
Eternal,  i,  15;  eternally  with  God,  i, 
12;  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  18; 
superior  to  Moses :  Moses  gave  law, 
Jesus  Christ  incarnates  grace  and 
truth,  17;  glorious  as  God,  14;  the 
Life,  4;  the  true  Light,  4,  9;  the 
WORD,  I,  14;  the  only  Ijegotten, 
18;  God,  I. 

(2).  His  Work: 
Made  the  world,  10 ;  made  all  things,  3 ; 
came  into  the  world,  10 ;  shineth  in 
darkness,  5 ;  lighteth  every  man  com- 
ing into  the  world,  9;  came  to  His 
own,    II;    became    incarnate,    taber- 


nacled among  men,  alone  brings  grace 
and  truth,  14,  17 ;  alone  reveals  God 
as  Father,  18;  alone  imparts  life,  4; 
gives  to  every  one  who  receives  Him 
power  to  become  a  child  of  God,  12; 
imparts  His  fulness  to  believers,  grace 
upon  grace,  16. 
(3).  How  He  was  received: 
The  darkness  apprehended  Him  not,  5 ; 
the  world  knew  Him  not,  10;  His 
own  received  Him  not,  11  ;  received 
by  those  born  of  God,  12,  13 ;  testi- 
fied to  by  John,  15;  beheld  in  His 
glory  by  believers,    14. 

2.  The  Father. 

Eternal,  2;  invisible,  18;  begat  the  Son, 
14 ;  revealed  by  the  Son,  18 ;  sent 
John  to  witness  to  the  Son,  6 ;  wishes 
all  men  to  believe,  7. 

3.  The  New  Birth. 
(i).     Its  necessity: 

Natural   man    in   darkness,    apprehends 
not,  5;  knows  not,  10;  receives  not, 
II. 
(2V     Its   nature: 
Not  the  work  of  blood  or  flesh,  not  of 
man's  will,  God's  work,  13. 
(3).     Result: 
Received  Christ,  right  to  be  God's  chil- 
dren,   12. 

4.  John. 

(i).     Inferiority  to  Jesus: 

A  man,  not  God,  i,  6;  not  the  Light, 
but  a  witness  to  the  Light,  8;  not 
the  Son,  but  His  messenger,  18,  6; 
not  eternal,  subordinate  to  the  Son, 
15- 

(2^.     What  he  did: 
What    he    was    sent    to    do :    bore   wit- 
ness, 7;  humbled  self,  exalted  Christ, 
15- 

(3).     How  he  did  it: 
Earnestly    "cried,"    15. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE    AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  2. 

The  Birth  of  Jesus  the  Messiah,  and  the  Visit  of  the  Magi. 
Matthew  2:1-18. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE   FACTS. 

/.     The  Saviour  sought,  vv.  i-8.     (Mat- 
thew 8:ii). 

Who  were  these  wise  men?     (y.  i,  R.  V. 
margin,  see  Esther  1:13;  Dan.  2:12).   What 
notices  have  we  in  the  Bible  of  this  class? 
How  did  these  particular  "wise  men"  show 
that  they  were  really  wise?     Do  wise  men 
as  a  rule  seek  Christ?     (I  Corinthians  i  :26). 
Why    not?     (Matthew    11:25).     Why    was 
Christ  born  in  the  days  of  Herod?     What 
important    question    about    Christ    did    the 
magi  ask?     Where  was  the  answer  to  the 
question  sought?     Where  can   we  find  the 
answer   to   that  question?     How  had  they 
been  led  to  believe  that  He  was  born?     Is 
there    any    light    outside    the    Scriptures? 
What   kind    of   light   is    it?     To   what   did 
the    starlight   of   natural    religion   lead   the 
magi   before  it  led  them  to   Christ?     Why 
did  God  reveal  the  truth  to  the  magi  by  a 
star?     How  did  He  reveal  it  to  the  scribes? 
Would   it  have  been  wise   for  the  scribes, 
who    had    the    Scriptures,    to    consult    the 
stars?     Was  it  wise  for  the  magi?     How 
did  the  magi  get  more  light?     How  far  did 
they  follow  the  light  they  had?    What  did 
the  magi  want  of  the  new-born  King?  How 
far  had  they  come?     Is  it  worth  while  to  go 
so  far  and  encounter  so  much  discomfort  to 
find    Christ?     Do  we   need   to   go   so   far? 
(Ro.  10  :6-8).     How  did  Herod  and  the  peo- 
ple   receive    the    news    of    the    advent    of 
Christ  ?     How  would  you  feel  to-day  if  you 
thought   Christ  had   come  or   was   coming 
soon   again?     Why    was    Herod   trotibled? 
Why     were     the     people     troubled?     Did 


Herod  assist  in  the  search  for  Christ? 
What  did  he  want  to  find  Him  for?  Was 
he  in  earnest  in  the  search?  Did  it  do  him 
any  good  to  seek  for  Christ?  Why  not? 
From  whom  did  Herod  seek  information? 
Did  they  know?  Did  their  knowledge  do 
them  any  good?  Why  did  they  know? 
Have  we  any  students  of  prophecy  to-day 
like  these  scribes?  Which  were  better  off, 
the  magi  with  only  the  light  of  nature 
which  they  obeyed,  or  the  scribes  with  the 
light  of  Scripture  which  they  disobeyed? 
Are  there  any  today  who  point  others 
to  Christ  but  do  not  go  themselves?  What 
is  the  conception  of  the  Christ  presented  by 
the  prophecy  quoted?  How  does  this 
prophecy  fit  in  with  the  purpose  of  Mat- 
thew's Gospel?  How  did  Herod  show  his 
stupidity? 

.?.  The  Saviour  found,  vv.  9-11.  (Jere- 
miah 29:13). 

Did  the  magi  spend  much  time  in  Jeru- 
salem? Why  not?  How  were  they  guided 
to  the  place  where  the  Child  was?  What 
feeling  did  the  sight  of  the  star  produce? 
Why  were  they  glad  when  Herod  and  the 
Jews  were  troubled?  What  men  to-day 
find  exceeding  great  joy  when  they  find 
Christ?  (i  Peter  1:8).  What  did  the 
magi  do  when  they  found  Christ?  Does 
this  worshipping  Him  prove  that  they 
recognized  the  deity  of  Christ? 

3.  The  Saviour  hated  of  men,  guarded 
by  angels,  vv.  12-18.  (John  15:25;  Psalms 
91  :ii,  12). 

What  plan  had  Herod  formed?  Who 
stirred  him  up  to  this?     What  made  this 


10 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


plan  manifestly  absurd?  Why  is  the  devil 
so  blind?  How  was  Herod's  plan  upset? 
What  ground  of  assurance  have  we  that  all 
the  devil's  schemes  concerning  God's  chil- 
dren will  come  to  naught?  (Rom.  8:31). 
How  was  Herod's  second  scheme  foiled? 
Why  was  it  certain  from  the  outset  that  it 
would  fail?  Why  is  the  Child  mentioned 
before  the  mother  in  the  angel's  charge? 
How  did  the  angel  know  that  Herod  would 
seek  the  Child's  life?  Was  Herod's  plan 
formed  before  or  after  it  was  announced  to 
Joseph?  How  did  Joseph  show  his  wis- 
dom? What  were  the  characteristics  of  his 
obedience?  What  prophecy  was  fulfilled  by 
this  descent  into  Egypt?  (Hosea  11  :i). 
What  then  was  all  the  devil  achieved  by  his 
plot  against  Christ's  life?  (Ps.  76:10). 
Was  the  verse  which  Matthew  quotes  in 
verse  15  primarily  intended  as  a  prophecy 
of  Christ?  How  then  is  Matthew  justified 
in  saying  it  is  a  fulfilled  prophecy?  How 
many  references  to  fulfilled  prophecy  are 
there  in  this  lesson?  How  many  in  the 
whole  Gospel?  Why  is  Matthew  so  much 
more  careful  to  notice  the  fulfillments  of 
Old  Testament  types  and  prophecies  than 
the  other  evangelists?  When  Herod  found 
that  his  plan  had  failed,  how  did  he  feel? 
How  do  wicked  men  usually  feel  at  the 
miscarriage  of  their  plans?  How  do  good 
men  feel?  How  did  Herod  manifest  the 
intensity  of  his  hatred  to  Christ?  What  was 
all  that  was  accomplished  by  this  hellish 
scheme?  What  does  it  all  show  the  devil 
to  be?  How  much  careful  painstaking  and 
wise  plotting  is  necessary  to  upset  God's 
plans. 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

Reveals  truth  to  the  heathen,  i ;  fore- 
knows all  things,  protects  His  chil- 
dren, forestalls  His  enemies,  upsets 
the  best  laid  plans  of  the  wicked, 
12,  13 ;  makes  the  wrath  of  men  to 
praise  Him,  15,  17;  reveals  His  truth 
by  nature,  2;  by  dreams,  12;  by 
angels,  13 ;  above  all  in  Scripture, 
5,  6;  step  by  step,  2,  5,  9. 

2.  The  Devil. 

His  deceitfulness,  8;  cruelty,  16;  cun- 
ning, 4,  8,  16;  stupidity,  15,  17;  help- 
lessness,  12,   3. 

3.  The  Scriptures. 

Inspired  of  God,  point  to  and  center 
in  Christ,  5.  6,  15,  17,  18;  superior 
to  other  revelations,  2;  easy  to  un- 
derstand, 5 ;  mere  intellectual  under- 
standing of  them  will  not  save,  4. 

4.  Jesus. 

(i).     His   nature: 

Divine,    2,    11,    13;    human,    11,    13,    14. 
(2).     His  ofifice: 

King  of  the  Jews,  2,  4,  6. 
(3).     How   received: 
With  joy  by  heathen  magi,  2,  10;  with 
indifference  by  the  theologians,  5,  6 ; 
with    dread   by    His    own   people,   3; 
with  hatred  by  the  king,  13,  16. 
(4).     How  He  should  be  sought: 
Joyfully,  10;  diligently,  i,  8;  immediate- 
ly, 9;  for  the  right  purpose,  2,  13. 

When  the  wise  men  "saw  the  star  (that 
pointed  to  Christ)  they  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  great  joy."  When  Herod  heard 
of  Christ  "he  was  troubled."  Which  are 
you  like? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  3. 
The  Birth  of  Jesus  the  Prince  of  Peace.     Luke  2:1-20. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

J.  The  Prince  despised  hy  man,  vv.  1-7 
(Isaiah  53:3)- 

How  many  years  before,  and  by  whom, 
was  it  prophesied  that  the  Christ  should  be 
born  in  Bethlehem?  (Micah  5:2).  What 
decrees  and  deeds  of  man  worked  together 
to  fulfill  this  prophecy  and  purpose  of  God? 
What  does  this  prove?  Where  did  the 
Prince  of  Peace  begin  His  life  on  earth? 
Where  did  He  close  it?  Why  did  He  not 
begin  His  earthly  life  in  the  inn?  Why  did 
He  close  it  so  prematurely?  In  how  many 
places  is  there  room  for  Jesus  to-day? 
Why  have  men  no  room  in  their  hearts  for 
Him  to-day?  When  there  was  no  room  for 
Jesus  in  the  inn,  what  ought  to  have  been 
done?  What  ought  we  to  do  when  there 
is  no  room  in  our  hearts  for  Him? 

2.  The  Prince  honored  by  angels,  vv. 
8-14  (I  Peter  i  :i2). 

To  whom  was  the  announcement  of  the 
birth  of  the  Christ  made?  Have  we  any 
evidence  of  spiritual  fitness  on  their  part? 
(v.  15).  Have  we  any  evidence  that  they 
were  waiting,  longing  and  looking  for  the 
coming  of  Christ?  (v.  16).  What  was 
Zacharias  doing  when  the  angel  spoke  to 
him?  (Luke  1:8-11).  What  were  the 
shepherds  doing  when  the  angels  spoke  to 
them?  Why  did  God  reveal  Himself  to  the 
shepherds  while  they  were  keeping  watch 
over  the  flocks,  and  to  Zacharias  while  burn- 
ing incense?  Was  it  very  pleasant  work  to 
keep  watch  over  the  flocks?  Did  it  pay? 
What  was  "the  glory  of  the  Lord"  that 
shone  round  about  them  ?  Where  alone  did 
"the  glory"  manifest  itself?  Why  then  was 
it  manifested  at  the  birth  of  Jesus  ?     Where 


did  the  disciples  behold  "the  glory"?  (John 
1:14;  2  Cor.  3:18;  4:6).  What  was  the 
effect  of  all  this  upon  the  shepherds?  Why? 
In  what  way  does  the  supernatural  usually 
affect  men?  Why?  What  was  the  angelic 
salutation?  How  frequently  is  this  the 
message  God's  messengers  bring?  (Look 
up  the  words  "Fear  not"  in  a  concordance). 
What  cure  for  fear  did  the  angel  propose? 
What  sort  of  a  thing  according  to  the  loth 
verse  is  the  Gospel?  Is  it  "good  tidings  of 
great  joy"  to  you?  What  was  the  Gospel 
the  angel  declared?  What  was  the  Gospel 
Paul  preached?  (I  Cor.  15:1,  3,  4). 
Which  is  the  fuller  Gospel?  According  to 
man's  notions,  where  would  He  that  was  to 
be  Saviour,  Christ  and  Lord  be  most  likely 
to  be  found?  What  strange  sign  of  the 
advent  of  the  Saviour,  Christ  and  Lord  did 
the  angel  give  the  shepherds?  Did  the 
shepherds  need  that  sign  as  a  confirmation 
of  their  faith?  (v.  15).  What  is  all  that 
real  faith  ever  asks  for?  (Ro.  10:17;  John 
20:29).  How  did  the  angelic  world  receive 
the  announcement  of  a  Saviour  born? 
How  does  this  world  receive  it?  What  idea 
as  to  the  feeling  of  the  angels  is  suggested 
by  the  word  "suddenly"?  What,  according 
to  the  angelic  song,  would  be  the  result  of 
the  birth  of  the  Saviour?  To  whom  is  thii 
peace?  (See  R.  V.)  Who  are  the  men 
"in  whom  He  is  well  pleased"?  (Find  a 
Bible  answer  to  this  question). 

3.  The  Prince  joyfully  received  by  the 
believing  few,  vv.   15-20    (John    i:ii,    12). 

How  did  the  shepherds  show  their  wis- 
dom? What  words  are  suggestive  of 
important  lessons  in  this  resolve?  How  did 
they  know  that  the  thing  announced  had 
surely  "come   to   pass"?    What  was   their 


12 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


object  in  going?  When  any  great  truth  is 
"made  known  unto  us,"  what  ought  we  at 
once  to  attempt  to  do?  What  is  there  in 
the  text  that  shows  their  eagerness  to  see 
this  new-born  Saviour?  How  many  per- 
sons in  the  Gospel  story  came  to  Jesus  with 
haste?  Are  many  as  eager  to  see  Him 
to-day?  What  did  the  shepherds  find? 
How  did  they  know  beforehand  that  they 
would  find  just  that?  What  did  they  do 
as  soon  as  they  had  seen  it?  What  ought 
every  one  of  us,  to  whom  the  good  news  of 
salvation  comes,  to  do?  What  did  they 
tell?  What  did  Mary  do  with  the  great 
truths?  What  ought  we  all  to  do  with 
them?  Did  the  shepherds  remain  in 
Bethlehem?  Why  not?  What  did  they  do 
as  they  went  from  the  place  of  revelation 
to  the  place  of  service? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

(i).     Glorified: 
By   the    fulfillment   of   prophecy,    i,   7; 
by  the  birth   of  the   Saviour,   Christ 


and  Lord,  14;  by  His  believing  chil- 
dren,  20. 
(2).     Reveals  His  truth: 
To   lowly  men,   while  at   their  post   of 
duty,  8 ;  if  they  will  only  believe,  test, 
15;    testify,    17;    return  to   their   post 
and  praise  and  glorify  Him,  20. 
2.     What  to  do  with  the  Word. 
(i).     The  shepherds: 
Heard  the   Word,   10;   believed,  tested, 
15;  testified  to,  17;  glorified  God  for 
the  Word,  20. 
(2).     Mary: 
Kept,  pondered  the  Word,    19. 
J.     What  to  do  with  Jesus. 
The  shepherds : 
Heard  of  Jesus,   11;   came  at  once  to 
Jesus,   15;    saw   Jesus,   16;   witnessed 
concerning    Jesus,    17;    praised    God 
for    Jesus,    20. 
4.     What  not  to  do  with  Jesus. 

Have   no    room    for    Jesus,    shut   Jesus 
out,    7. 
"What  then  shall  I  do  with  Jesus?" 


LESSON  4. 

The  Circumcision  of  Jesus,  and  His  Presentation  in  the 
Temple.     Luke  2:21-39. 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 

1.  The  Circumcision  of  Jesus,  v.  21. 

Why  was  Jesus  circumcized?  (Gal.  4:4, 
5).  On  what  day  was  He  circumcized? 
Why  on  the  eighth  day?  (Lev.  12:3;  Luke 
1:59;  Gen.  17:12).  By  what  name  was  He 
called?  Why?  Who  gave  Him  this  name? 
(Luke  1:31).  What  is  its  significance? 
(Matt.  1:21). 

2.  The  Presentation  of  Jesus  in   the  tem- 
ple, vv.  22-39. 

How  many  days  after  His  circumcision 
was  Jesus  presented  in  the  temple?     (Lev. 


12:2,  3,  4,  6).  What  were  they  obeying  in 
every  detail?  Why?  Why  did  Mary  offer 
a  pair  of  turtle  doves,  and  not  a  lamb"? 
(Lev.  12:8).  What  two  notable  persons  did 
they  meet  in  the  temple?  What  are  the 
four  things  told  us  about  Simeon  in  v.  25? 
What  does  "just"  mean?  (See  R.  V.). 
"Devout"?  "Waiting  (looking)  for  the 
consolation  of  Israel"?  Was  there  much 
outward  sign  of  the  "consolation  of  Israel"? 
What  had  Simeon  to  rest  upon?  Was  that 
enough?  In  these  dark  days,  what  have 
we  to  rest  upon?     Were  there  any  others 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


13 


looking  for  the  "consolation  of  Israel"? 
What  ought  to  be  the  attitude  of  the 
believer  to-day?  (Titus  2:13;  2  Peter 
3:12,  R.  v.).  What  is  meant  by  "the  Holy 
Spirit  was  upon  him"?  (Num.  11:25,  26, 
29;  Acts  4:8;  Luke  1:41,  67).  In  what 
points  ought  the  believer  to  be  like  Simeon? 
(Titus  2:11-13;  Eph.  5:18).  Were  the 
times  in  which  Simeon  lived  such  as  were 
calculated  to  produce  men  who  were 
"righteous,"  "devout,"  "looking  for  the 
consolation  of  Israel,"  and  "the  Holy  Ghost 
upon  them"  ?  What  is  the  lesson  in  this  for 
us?  In  what  sort  of  times  have  some  of 
God's  most  faithful  and  believing  children 
appeared?  (Elijah,  Simeon,  Moses,  Luther, 
Knox). 

What  glimpse  into  the  future  had  already 
been  given  to  Simeon?  Who  can  expect 
such  revelations  of  the  purposes  of  God? 
(Ps.  25:14).  How  was  this  revelation 
made  to  Simeon?  How  many  times  in 
verses  25-27  is  the  Holy  Spirit  mentioned 
in  connection  with  Simeon?  What  proof 
have  we  that  he  was  a  son  of  God?  (Ro. 
8:14).  What  two  things  had  it  been  shown 
Simeon  that  he  was  to  see?  Which  was  he 
to  see  first?  Was  his  seeing  the  Christ  any 
preparation  for  his  seeing  death?  Into 
what  place  do  we  see  Simeon  going  in  v.  27? 
How  did  he  come  to  go  there?  What  does 
the  expression  "came  by  the  Spirit"  mean? 
(Luke  4:1;  Acts  8:29;  10:19;  11:12;  16:6, 
7).  Can  we  today  expect  to  be  thus  led 
by  the  Spirit?  Into  what  place  did  the 
Spirit  lead  Simeon?  Is  the  Spirit  likely  to 
lead  a  man  to  "the  house  of  God"?  Were 
the  services  of  that  house,  of  God  con- 
ducted in  a  very  exemplary  manner? 
Whom  did  he  meet  by  coming  into  the 
house  of  God  ?  Whom  can  we  always  meet 
in  the  house  of  God  even  if  the  singing  is 
poor  and  the  preaching  is  dry?  (Matt. 
18:20)-     Will  that  pay  us  for  going? 


How  did  the  child  Jesus  come  to  be  in  the 
house  of  God?  Is  there  any  duty  to  parents 
suggested  in  this?  How  old  was  Jesus  at 
the  time?  (Lev.  12:1-6).  What  did 
Simeon  do  with  the  child  Jesus  ?  What  was 
all  the  eye  of  sense  could  see  in  the  child 
Jesus?  What  did  the  eye  of  faith  see  in 
Him?  What  had  faith  to  rest  upon?  Was 
that  enough? 

Whom   does   Simeon  first  bless?     After- 
wards whom  does  he  bless?     What  does  it 
mean  to  "bless  God"?     What  does  it  mean 
to     "bless     them"?     (Gen.     14:19).     What 
great  contrast  is  there  in  the  tone  of  these 
two  prophetic  songs  of  blessing?     Why  is 
the  first  jubilant?     Why  is  the  second  sad? 
What  did  Simeon  say  would  be  the  char- 
acter   of   his    departure?     Why    would   his 
departure   be   peaceful?     If   our    departure 
would  be  peaceful,  what  must  we  first  see? 
What    did    Simeon    say   this    all    happened 
according  to?     What   did   Simeon   say  his 
eyes  had  seen?     Who  was  it  he  had  literally 
seen?     What  else  did  Simeon  call  the  babe 
Jesus    besides    "God's    salvation"?     Where 
did  Simeon  learn  all  these  titles  for  Jesus? 
(Is.  49:6,    "Salvation"   and  "Light";   42:6, 
"Light";  Is.  60:19;  Zech.  2:5,  "Glory").     In 
the  Old  Testament,  who  is  it  that  is  called 
"the   Glory  of   Israel"?     (Is.   60:19;   Zech. 
2:5).       Who     is     it     that     is     so     called 
here?     What    is    the    inference?     Had    the 
fact    that     Simeon    was    a    Bible    student 
anything   to   do   with   his   "looking   for  the 
consolation    of    Israel,"    "being   filled   with 
the  Spirit,"  etc.?     (Compare  Mary).  ^,  Had 
Simeon  understood   prophecy  until  it  was 
fulfilled?     Had    Mary    and    Joseph    under- 
stood  all   this?     Were    they   good  people? 
What  is  the  lesson?     Which  was  the  better 
Simeon,  or  Mary  and  Joseph?     (Heb.  7:1, 
7).       Which      did      Simeon      particularly 
address?    Why?     How  did  he  know  that? 


14 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


What  did  Simeon  tell  Mary  about  the 
Child?  Where  did  he  learn  that?  (Is. 
8:14,  15;  53:3).  What  is  meant  by  His 
being  "set  for  the  fall,  etc."?  Which  one  of 
two  results  always  comes  to  the  one  who 
is  brought  into  contact  with  Jesus  ?  Why  is 
the  "fall"  put  before  the  "rising  up"  ?  How 
would  one  naturally  think  Jesus  would  be 
received?  How  was  He  received?  How 
will  those  who  best  represent  Jesus  be 
received?  (John  15:20,  25).  What  was 
told  Mary  of  what  awaited  her?  How 
must  that  have  sounded  to  her  in  that  day 
of  happy  motherhood  and  bright  anticipa- 
tion? When  was  it  fulfilled?  What  was 
the  purpose  of  all  this?  What  is  the  final 
test  of  the  real  thoughts  and  dispositions 
and  character  of  a  man?     (John  3:18-21). 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ 

Born   under   the   law.   21.   22,    23  (Gal. 

4:4,    5);    of   poor   parents.   24  (Lev. 

12:8);     truly     human,     21-24;  truly 


divine,  32  (Is.  60:19;  Zech.  2:5); 
the  Christ  of  God,  26;  the  salvation 
of  God,  30;  the  Saviour,  21;  anointed 
by  God,  26;  witnessed  to  by  the 
Spirit,  26,  29-32;  spoken  against  by 
man,  34;  the  light  of  the  Gentiles, 
32 ;  the  consolation  of  Israel,  25 ;  the 
glory  of  Israel,  32;  the  salvation  of 
the  world,  30,  31 ;  the  foundation 
stone  for  the  believer,  the  stumbling 
stone  for  the  disbeliever,  the  touch 
stone  for  all,  34,  35. 

Simeon. 

An  example  for  the  believer :  righteous, 
devout,  25;  a  lover  of  the  Bible,  32; 
showed  an  obedient  acquaintance  with 
the  law  of  God,  27;  showed  a  rev- 
erent regard  for  the  presence  of 
God,  28;  taught  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  26;  led  by  the  Spirit,  27;  spoke 
in  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  25,  29-32 

The  Spirit. 

He  leads,  27;  reveals,  26;  inspires,  25; 
witnesses  for  Christ,  36,  29-32. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS 


LESSON  5. 

The  Childhood  of  Jesus.     Luke  2 :40-52. 
(Compare  Matthew  2:23.) 

What  were  the  marked  features  of 
His  boyhood?  With  what  was  He  filled? 
With  what  was  He  crowned?  What  is 
meant  by  the  grace  of  God  being  upon  Him  ? 
(See  Acts  4:33).  How  may  we  know  that 
the  grace  of  God  is  upon  a  man?  (Acts 
4:33-35)-  How  early  may  one  have  the 
grace  of  God  upon  him? 

2.     Inquiring,  vv.  41-50. 

What  glimpse  does  verse  41  give  into 
the  habits  of  Jesus'  parents?  To  put  it 
into  modern  phraseology,  what  sort  of  peo- 
ple were  they?    What  seemingly  reasonable 


I.    Growing,  v.  40. 

How  many  verses  are  there  in  the  four 
Gospels  in  regard  to  the  boyhood  of  Jesus? 
Is  this  in  any  way  a  suggestion  of  their 
authenticity?  How  much  of  the  Gospel 
histoid  is  taken  up  with  the  death  of  Jesus? 
Why  is  that?  Why  is  it  that  Luke  is  the 
one  evangelist  who  dwells  upon  His  in- 
fancy and  boyhood?  What  is  the  first 
thing  that  is  told  us  about  His  boy- 
hood? (v.  40).  Wherein  lies  the  im- 
portance   of    the    fact    that    He    "grew"? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


15 


excuse  might  they  have  made  for  staying 
away  from  church  ?  Would  they  have  had 
Jesus  in  their  home  if  they  had  not  been 
church-going  people?  What  is  suggested 
by  this  as  being  one  of  the  surest  ways  of 
getting  Jesus  into  our  homes? 

At  what  age  is  it  first  recorded  that 
Jesus  went  to  the  feast?  Why  at  12  years 
of  age?  Did  Jesus  enjoy  being  in  the 
temple?  How  did  He  show  He  enjoyed 
it?  Why  did  He  enjoy  it?  Where  did 
they  find  Jesus?  Did  they  expect  to  find 
Him  there?  Ought  they  to  have  expected 
to  find  Him  there?  (v.  49,  R.  V.).  Will 
a  true  child  of  God  be  often  found  in  the 
house  of  God?  Was  Jesus  often  found  in 
the  temple  during  His  life?     (Mark  14:49)- 

In  what  attitude  was  He  in  the  temple? 
Why  was  He  there?  What  was  He  doing: 
For  what  purpose  was  He  asking  questions  ? 
In  what  way  was  He  a  good  example  for 
modern  attendants  upon  Bible  classes? 
What  sort  of  questions  did  He  ask?  Did 
He  answer  any  questions?  What  was  the 
effect  of  His  presence  in  the  temple  upon 
those  there  ?  At  what  were  they  astonished  ? 
Where  did  He  get  "His  understanding"? 
(Ps.  119:99;  Luke  24:27;  John  3:34)- 

Who  were  amazed  besides  the  bystanders? 
Had  Mary  understood  Jesus?  What  is  the 
tone  of  Mary's  question?  Is  it  conceivable 
that  Mary  with  the  revelation  she  had  had 
about  Jesus  should  be  so  astonished  and 
complaining?  Ought  Mary  and  Joseph  to 
have  had  any  anxious  fear  about  Jesus? 
While  Mary  and  Joseph  were  surprised  at 
Jesus  being  in  the  temple,  at  what  was 
Jesus  surprised?  What  was  Jesus'  reply? 
Was  there  any  note  of  regret  or  apology  in 
the  reply?  What  is  the  Revised  Version 
of  the  reply?  Of  whom  had  Mary  spoken 
as  His  father?  Of  whom  does  Jesus  speak 
as  His  Father?  In  what  way  was  the  first 
recorded    utterance   and   the   last    recorded 


utterance  of  Christ  alike?  (86623:46).  Did 
they  understand  Jesus  even  yet?  How  long 
was  it  before  men  understood  Jesus? 

3.     Obeying,  vv.  51,  5-2- 

Having  made  this  assertion  and  given  this 
clear  proof  of  His  deity,  what  did  Jesus 
do  next?  How  were  those  days  in  Naza- 
reth spent?  Was  He  any  less  about  His 
Father's  business  when  in  Nazareth  than 
when  in  the  temple  asking  questions?  Ought 
He  to  have  been  at  Jerusalem  asking 
questions  and  attending  Bible  lectures  when 
home  duties  called  Him  to  Nazareth?  How 
many  years  longer  did  Jesus  remain  in 
the  humble  obscurity  of  Nazareth?  Did 
He  chafe  at  all  at  that  commonplace  life? 
When  any  of  us,  conscious  of  power  for 
larger  work,  are  tempted  to  chafe  at  our 
commonplace  fields,  what  thought  from  this 
lesson  ought  to  enable  us  to  overcome  the 
temptation?  What  did  Mary  do?  What 
was  Jesus  doing  those  eighteen  years?  (v. 
52).  If  we  are  in  some  humble  sphere, 
what  can  we  do  there  if  we  cannot  do 
anything  else?  How  could  the  Son  of 
God  increase  in  wisdom?  (Phil.  2:6,  7; 
Mark  13:32).  What  means  of  growth  in 
wisdom  did  Jesus  use?  (Matt.  22:29). 
How  could  Jesus  grow  in  favor  (or  grace) 
with  God?  Did  He  grow  in  any  one's 
favor  beside  God's  ?  Did  growing  in  God's 
favor  have  anything  to  do  with  growing 
in  man's  favor?  (See  i  Sam.  2:26;  Ro. 
14:18).  Is  it  always  so?  Whose  favor  was 
it  He  sought?  If  even  Jesus  could  grow 
in  wisdom  and  grace,  what  is  the  lesson 
for  us? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus. 

Truly  human — He  grew,  40,  46,  52; 
truly  divine  in  His  wisdom,  40,  47-49', 
in  His  consciousness,  49;  in  His 
obedience,  "^i. 


16 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


A  model  boyhood. 

Constant  growth — physical,  intellectual, 
spiritual,  40,  52;  filled  with  wisdom, 
crowned  with  grace,  40;  loving  the 
house  of  God,  43,  46,  49;  pondering 
the  Word  of  God,  47;  conscious  of 
the  divine  Fatherhood,  49 ;  obedient  to 


the  human  fatherhood,  faithful  in 
present  work,  51 ;  fitting  for  larger 
work,  52. 

A  three-fold  amazement. 
Of  the  people,  47;  of  His  parents,  48; 
of  Jesus,  49. 


LESSON  6. 


The  Ministry  of  John  the 
(Compare  Matthew  3 

DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

/.  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the 
wilderness,  vv.  1-6. 

What  evidence  have  we  in  verses  i  and  2 
of  the  accuracy  of  this  story?  Where  had 
John  been  educated?  (1:80).  Who  was  his 
teacher?  What  led  him  to  begin  his 
ministry  at  this  time?  From  whom  had 
he  obtained  his  message?  What  had  God 
told  John?  (John  1:33).  Where  did  he 
do  his  preaching?  In  what  sort  of  a 
building  was  every  great  sermon  recorded 
in  the  Bible  delivered?  What  did  John 
preach?  What  is  repentance?  (Matt. 
12:41;  see  Jonah  3:8-10;  Is.  55:7).  What 
is  the  baptism  of  repentance?  (Acts  2:38). 
Did  Paul  preach  any  other  baptism  than 
this?  (Acts  19:3-5).  What  was  the  exact 
form  of  John's  message  as  delivered  by 
him?  (Matt.  3:2).  Had  there  been  any 
prediction  of  this  ministry  of  John?  By 
■whom?  (Is.  40:3-5).  How  long  before? 
Had  anything  seemed  to  come  of  this  pre- 
diction? Why  did  it  come  true  at  last? 
(Is.  40:5,  last  clause).  What  may  we  be 
sure  of  as  regards  every  prediction  of  God's 
Word? 

2.    "O  generation  of  vipers,"  vv.  7-g. 

In  what  terms  did  John  address  those 
who  came  to  hear  him?  Who  was  it  that 
he  especially  addressed  in  this  way?    (Matt. 


Baptist.     Luke  3:1-18. 
:1-12;  Mark  1:1-8.) 

3:7).  Why  did  he  address  them  in  this 
way?  Is  it  ever  right  to  speak  to  men  in 
this  severe  way?  (Matt.  23:33;  John  8:44; 
Acts  13:10).  What  is  it  evident  from  verse 
7  that  these  men  were  relying  upon  ?  What 
other  false  hope  does  John  shatter  in  the 
8th  verse?  What  is  hinted  at  in  the 
words:  "God  is  able  of  these  stones,  etc."? 
(Gal.  3:28,  29).  In  what  way  was  a  true 
repentance  to  be  manifested?  What  are 
"works  meet  for  repentance"?  (Is.  1:16, 
17).  Whose  else  preaching  resembled  John 
the  Baptist's  in  thus  demanding  repentance 
and  works  meet  for  repentance?  (Acts 
26:20;  see  Matt.  4:17).  What  other  delu- 
sion of  the  Jews  is  shattered  in  the  9th 
verse  ?  What  is  meant  by  the  ax  being  "laid 
unto  the  root  of  the  trees"?  What  trees 
in  Jehovah's  orchard  are  to  come  down? 
Is  it  enough  that  a  man  does  not  bear 
bad  fruit?  For  what  had  Jehovah  been 
waiting  for  a  long  time  from  His  orchard? 
For  what  is  He  waiting  from  us?  Suppose 
He  does  not  find  it,  what  then?  What  is 
fruit?  (Gal.  5:22,  23;  Col.  1:10;  Ro. 
15:28;  Phil.  4:17;  Ro.  1:13;  John  15:16). 
How  can  we  bear  fruit?     (John  15:5). 

J.     Fniit  worthy  of  repentance,  vv.  10-14. 

What  was  the  result  upon  the  hearers 
of  this  faithful  preaching  of  John?  What 
is  one  of  the  best  proofs  that  a  man  has 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS   OF   OUR  LORD 


17 


preached  well?  (Acts  2:37;  9:6;  16:30). 
What  was  the  substance  of  John's  answer? 
Is  the  spirit  of  "He  that  hath  two  coats, 
let  him  impart  to  him  that  hath  none" 
binding  to-day  ?  To  whom  is  it  to  be  given  ? 
Why  did  John  give  different  directions  to 
publicans  and  to  soldiers?  What  is  the 
substance  of  his  directions  to  the  different 
classes?  What  suggestions  may  we  draw 
from  John's  words  as  to  our  preaching 
to  different  classes  of  men?  What  part  of 
John's  preaching  is  particularly  applicable 
to  laboring  men  to-day?  How  much  ought 
a  man  desire  in  order  to  be  content?  (1 
Tim.  6:8).  Is  there  any  gain  in  this 
contentment?  (i  Tim.  6:6).  What  part  of 
John's  preaching  is  particularly  applicable 
to  the  capitalist  today?  (v.  11).  Is  this 
part  at  all  applicable  to  the  poor  man? 
What  thought  will  enable  a  man  to  be 
content?     (Heb.  13:5)- 

4.  "One  mightier  than  I  coinctJi,"  vv. 
15-18. 

What  did  John  preach  besides  repentance? 
(vv.  16,  17).  To  what  temptation  was 
John  peculiarly  subjected  by  his  immense 
popularity?  Did  he  yield  to  this  tempta- 
tion? (See  John  3:29,  30).  What  is  the 
comparison  that  John  drew  between  himself 
and  Jesus?  Do  professedly  Christian  men 
nowadays  all  think  that  it  is  an  honor 
of  which  they  are  not  worthy  to  do  the 
lowliest  service  for  Christ?  Do  you  think 
so? 

What  contrast  between  his  own  baptism 
and  that  of  Jesus  did  John  draw?  What 
is  the  baptism  in  the  Holy  Spirit?  (Acts 
1:5,  of.  2:4;  10:44-46,  cf.  11:15,  16;  I  Cor. 
12:4-13).  Is  the  baptism  in  water  a  symbol 
of  the  baptism  in  the  Holy  Spirit?  (Mark 
1:4;  Acts  2:38;  22:16;  Ro.  6:4).  What  is 
the  baptism  in  fire?  (Jer.  23:29;  20:9; 
Acts   2:3;   2  Tim.    1:6,   R.  V.  margin;   Is. 


4:4).  What  does  fire  do  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  also  does  ?  ( i  Cor.  3 :  13 ;  Mai.  3 :2,  3 ; 
Ezek.  24:9-11). 

What  other  offices  should  Jesus  Christ 
perform?  (v.  17).  Who,  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, is  represented  as  doing  this  work? 
(Micah  4:12;  Is.  21:10).  What  is  the 
significance  of  this  fact?  What  becomes  of 
the  chaff?  What  else  was  cast  into  the 
fire?  (v.  9).  Where  else  do  these  two 
figures  occur  together?  (Ps.  i).  Is  the 
fire  literal?  (Matt.  13:42).  Between  what 
two  fires  do  we  have  our  choice? 

Was  this  the  whole  of  John  the  Baptist's 
preaching?  What  were  some  of  the  "other 
things"  he  preached?  (John  1:29,  34; 
3:29-36).  What  was  the  general  character 
of  this   other  preaching?      (v.    18,   R.   V.). 

CLASSIFICATION   OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 
(i).     His  person: 

Divine,  17. 
(2).     His   work: 
Gives     the     Holy     Spirit,     16;     judges, 
saves,   damns,   17. 
(3).     Exalted   privilege   of   serving   Him 
in  lowliest  service,  16. 

2.  The    model  preacher. 
(i).     In  what  he  preached: 

Judgment  on  sin  and  fruitlessness,  9, 
17;  heart  repentance  the  one  condi- 
tion of  forgiveness,  8  (see  Mark 
I  :4'>  ;  holy  living  the  sole  evidence 
of  true  repentance,  8,  11-14;  the  com- 
ing Saviour  and  the  necessity  of 
faith  in  Him  (see  Acts  19:4),  the 
dignity  of  Christian  service,  the  bap- 
tism with  the  Holy  Spirit,  16;  the 
baptism  of  repentance  unto  the  re- 
mission of  sins,  3 ;  the  eternal  secur- 
ity and  blessedness  of  the  saved,  17. 
(2).     In  the  way  in  which  he  preached: 

Outspoken,  7;  easily  understood,  9,  1 1, 


18 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


13;  adapted  himself  to  his  audience, 
12,  13,  14;  fearless,  19;  put  self  in 
the  right  place,  exalted  Christ,  16. 

(3).     What  he  got  for  his  preaching,  19, 
20  (see  Phil.  3:10). 

3.     The  Scriptures. 

Their    Author— God,    the    certainty    of 


their  fulfilment  at  last,  4-6. 
4.     The  Holy  Spirit. 
(i).     Who  bestows  the  Holy  Spirit: 

Jesus   Christ,    16. 
(2).     What    the    Holy    Spirit    does: 
Searches,  cleanses,  consumes,  illumines, 
makes  to  glow,  energizes,  16. 


LESSON  7. 

The  Baptism  of  Jesus.     Mark  1:9-11.     (Compare  Matthew 

3:13-17;  Luke  3:21-23.) 

DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 


For  what  purpose  had  Jesus  come  all  the 
way    from    Nazareth    to    Jordan?      (Matt. 
3:13).     Why  was  Jesus  baptized?     (Matt. 
3:15;  Ro.  8:3;  2  Cor.  5:21).     Why  was  it 
that  God  chose  just  this  occasion  to  give 
this  wonderful  testimony  to  His  Son  that 
is  here  recorded?     (Phil.  2:6-11,  and  note 
the  force  of  the  word  "wherefore"  in  v.  9). 
What  light  does  the  action  of  Jesus  throw 
upon  the  position  taken  by  some  that  the 
baptism  with  the  Spirit  is  the  only  important 
thing   and    it    makes    very    little    difference 
whether  or  not  one  is  baptized  with  water? 
In  what  remarkable  way  did  God  set  the 
seal  of  His  approval  upon  this  act  of  Jesus? 
Did  Jesus  in  any  sense  get  a  deeper  realiza- 
tion of  His   Sonship  at  this  time  than  He 
had  before?     For  whom  else  beside  Jesus 
was  this  descent  of  the  Spirit  as  a  dove  a 
sign?      (John    1:33)-      Was    it    the    work 
of    regeneration    that    the    Spirit    wrought 
when  He  descended  upon  Jesus  at  this  time? 
Was  this  descent  of  the  Spirit  in  any  wise 
a  preparation  for  service?      (Acts   10:38). 
Is  it  a  necessary  preparation  for  us?    (Luke 
24:49;  Acts  1:8).     Can  all  have  it?     (Acts 
2:38,  39).    What  was  Jesus  doing  when  the 
Spirit  descended  upon  Him?     (Luke  3:21). 
Are    any    other    instances    recorded    when 
the   Spirit   descended  upon   God's  children 


as  they  prayed?  (Acts  2:1-4;  4:31;  8:15, 
16;  Luke  11:13).  Why  did  the  Spirit 
descend  ''as  a  dove"?  (Matt.  10:16;  Gal. 
5:22).  What  other  emblems  have  we  in 
the  Word  of  the  Spirit  and  His  work? 
(Matt.  3:11;  Is.  44:3;  John  3:8).  How 
can  we  receive  the  Holy  Spirit?  (Acts 
2:38;  Is.  44:3;  Luke  11:13;  24:49;  John 
7 -37-39 ;  Acts  5:32;  Gal.  3:14;  Jas.  1:6,  7)- 
Was  this  descent  of  the  Spirit  upon  Jesus 
a  temporary  matter?  (John  1:33).  What 
Old  Testament  prophecies  were  hereby 
fulfilled?  (Is.  11:2;  44:1;  61:1).  How  is 
the  word  "opened"  rendered  in  the  Revised 
Version?  For  what  purpose  were  the 
heavens   "rent  asunder"? 

What  further  testimony  from  heaven  in 
addition  to  that  of  the  descending  and 
abiding  Spirit  did  Jesus  receive?  In  what 
way  have  we  the  distinction  in  the  person- 
ality of  the  three  persons  in  the  Trinity 
set  forth  in  verses  10  and  11?  What  was 
God's  audible  testimony  to  Jesus?  In  this 
declaration  what  did  God  Himself  quote? 
(Ps.  2:7;  Is.  42:1).  Why  does  God  quote 
Scripture?  Did  God  ever  say  of  any  other 
being,  man  or  angel,  what  He  here  says  to 
Jesus?  (Heb.  1:5;  3:5,  6).  Is  Jesus  the 
Son  of  God  in  a  sense  that  no  other  being . 
is  the  Son  of  God?  (Heb.  i,  especially 
verses  1-6;  John  3:16;  Mark  12:6,  R.  V.; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


19 


John  t:i4,  i8).  If  Jesus  is  the  Son  of 
God  what  should  be  our  attitude  toward 
Him?  (John  5:23).  What  is  the  one  who 
"denieth  the  Son"?  (i  John  2:22,  23). 
Is  there  any  one  besides  Jesus  in  whom  God 
is  "well  pleased"?  (Heb.  11:5;  Ro.  5:1; 
Acts  13:39;  Eph.  1 :6).  How  "well-pleased' 
is  God  with  those  v;ho  are  in  Christ? 
(John  17:23). 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.  The  Triune  God. 
(i).  The  Father: 
Speaks  to  man,  heaven  the  place  from 
which  He  speaks,  bears  witness  to 
His  son,  the  demands  of  His  affec- 
tions met  by  His  Son  in  His  obedi- 
ence, II. 


(2).     The   Son: 

His  nature — divine,  11;  human,  9. 

His  character — humble,  took  the  sin- 
ner's place,-  obedient,  9;  altogether 
lovely,  absolutely  faultless,   11. 

The   Father's   testimony  to  Jesus— My 
Son,  My  Beloved  Son,  My  Son  that 
meets  every  demand  of  My  nature — 
"well  pleasing,"    11. 
(3).     The  Holy  Spirit: 

His  personality,  10;  distinction  between 
Him   and   the   Father   and   the    Son. 
10,     II;     the    Father's    gift    to    the 
Son,  ID. 
,     The  Bible. 

Its  authority  and  sufficiency:  God 
Himself  quoted  it,  11. 


LESSON  8. 

The  Temptation  of  Our  Lord.     Matthew  4:l-n. 

(Compare  Mark  1:12,  13;  Luke  4:1-13.) 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.     The   lust   of   the   flesh— or   the   flesh, 

vv.  1-4- 

What  experience  on  the  part  of  Jesus 
immediately  preceded  that  of  this  lesson? 
(Mark  1:12).  Can  a  man  who  has  been 
baptized  with  the  Holy  Spirit  ever  be 
tempted  again?  At  what  time  is  Satan 
most  likely  to  tempt  a  man?  Was  the 
baptism  with  the  Holy  Spirit  a  necessary 
preparation  for  Christ's  public  ministry?  Is 
it  for  ours?  Was  the  temptation  a  necessary 
preparation  for  Christ's  ministry?  (Heb. 
2:17,  18).  Is  it  for  ours?  Which  do  men 
usually    most    covet,    the    preparation    of 


Was  He  alone  in  the  wilderness?  Are 
we  ever  alone?  Over  how  long  a  period 
did  this  temptation  extend?  (Luke  4:2). 
Did  the  three  temptations  recorded  cover 
all  the  temptations  of  this  period?  What 
did  Jesus  eat  during  all  that  time?  (Luke 
4:2).  Why  did  He  eat  nothing?  In  what 
physical  condition  was  He  at  the  end? 

Did  the  temptation  come  from  without 
or  from  within?  Was  the  tempter  a 
personal  devil?  With  what  did  Satan  begin 
his  temptation?  With  what  did  Satan  begin 
his  first  temptation  of  man?  (Gen.  3:1,  4). 
What  reason  had  Jesus  for  knowing  He 
was  the  Son  of  God?     (3:17).     What  did 


exalted  privilege  or  the  preparation  of  fierce  Satan   bid  Jesus   do  ?     What   would  there 

conflict    with    the   devil?      How    did   Jesus  be  wrong  in  His  doing  that?     (Phil.  2:6, 

come  to   go   into  the  wilderness?      (Mark  8,  R.  V.).    What  made  it  a  real  temptation? 

1:12).     Is  there  any  lesson  in  that?     Did  Is  there  any  record  of  practically  the  same 

the  Spirit  do  anything  else  beside  lead  Jesus  temptation  coming  to  Jesus  again?     (Matt. 

into   the  wilderness?      (Luke  4:1,  R-  V.).  27:40).      If    Jesus    had    yielded    to    this 


20 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


suggestion  of  Satan,  whom  would  He  have 
been  distrusting?  When  we  take  ourselves 
out  of  the  position  in  which  God  puts  us 
in  order  to  relieve  our  distress,  of  whom 
do  we  show  our  distrust?  Was  it  any 
sin  for  Jesus  to  be  tempted?  At  what 
point  does  sin  begin?  How  long  did  Jesus 
harbor  the  devil's  suggestion  in  His  mind? 
With  what  did  He  meet  it?  How  many 
of  the  temptations  did  He  meet  that  way? 
How  did  Jesus  come  to  have  at  hand  in 
the  hour  of  trial  just  the  Scripture  that 
He  needed?  What  is  the  best  thing  that 
we  can  do,  if  we  would  not  be  tripped  up 
in  the  hour  of  trial?  (Ps.  119:11).  Where 
is  the  Scripture  found  which  Jesus  used 
to  defeat  Satan  with?  (Deut.  8:3).  How 
does  it  apply  to  the  case?  When  can  we 
find  comfort  in  this  verse? 

2.     The   pride   of   life — or   the   devil,   vv. 

5-7. 

Did  Satan  give  up  at  this  first  defeat? 
What  particular  trait  of  character  did  Jesus 
display  in  a  remarkable  degree  in  the 
previous  temptation?  Along  what  line  then 
does  Satan  tempt  Him  now?  Is  there  any 
lesson  in  that?  What  was  the  temptation? 
What  did  the  devil  quote  to  strengthen  his 
case?  Does  the  devil  ever  quote  Scripture 
nowadays  to  lead  men  astray?  Why  was 
the  devil's  use  of  Scripture  illegitimate? 
Where  would  have  been  the  wrong  in  Jesus 
doing  as  Satan  suggested?  What  is  the 
point  of  difference  between  trusting  God 
and  tempting  God?  (To  look  to  God  to 
deliver  us  from  perils  that  lie  in  the  path 
into  which  He  has  called  us  is  to  trust 
God;  to  run  into  perils  in  a  path  of  our 
own  choosing  and  then  look  to  God  to 
deliver  us  is  to  tempt  God;  to  look  to 
God  to  supply  our  bread  when  in  the 
path  into  which  He  calls  and  in  which 
we  cannot  make  it  is  to  trust  God;  to 
took   to    Him   to    supply   our    bread    when 


He  bids  us  work  to  get  it  is  to  tempt 
God.)  When  can  God's  children  look  to 
God  to  fulfill  the  promise  Satan  quoted? 
Do  men  who  successfully  meet  the  first  and 
third  temptations  as  recorded  in  Matthew 
(note  the  order  of  the  temptations  in  Luke) 
ever  fall  before  the  second?  How  did 
Jesus  meet  this  temptation?  What  passage 
in  the  same  Psalm  which  the  devil  quoted 
is  fulfilled  in  Jesus'  answer?     (Ps.  91:13). 

J.  The  lust  of  the  eye — or  the  world, 
vv.  8-10. 

Did  the  devil  give  up  the  battle  after 
this  defeat?  Does  the  devil  leave  us  when 
we  defeat  him  on  one  tack?  What  does 
he  do?  What  was  the  next  temptation 
as  recorded  by  Matthew?  Who  else  had 
promised  Him  the  kingdom  of  this  world? 
(Ps.  2:8).  How  is  this  kingdom  to  be 
attained  according  to  God's  plan?  What 
then  was  the  real  essence  of  the  tempta- 
tion? (To  grasp  the  dominion  that  was 
rightfully  His  by  false  means ;  to  avoid  the 
path  of  suffering  that  God  had  appointed 
and  choose  a  path  of  compromise  with 
evil  to  gain  His  dominion).  When  are 
we  similarly  tempted?  Did  the  devil  tell 
the  truth  when  he  said :  "All  this  power. . . 
is  delivered  unto  me"?  (Luke  4:6;  John 
8:44;  12:31;  14:30;  Rev.  13:2,  7;  2  Cor. 
4:4;  Ro.  13:1).  What  was  the  one  condi- 
tion of  Jesus  getting  it  all  ?  Do  men  nowa- 
days ever  submit  to  that  condition? 

How  did  Jesus  meet  this  temptation? 
Did  substantially  the  same  temptations  ever 
come  to  Jesus  again?  (Matt.  16:21,  23). 
How  far  apart  in  the  Scriptures  are  these 
three  quotations  with  which  Jesus  met  the 
three-fold  temptation  of  Satan?  What  did 
the  devil  do  when  Jesus  overcame  this  last 
temptation?  What  did  the  devil  do  before 
he  departed?  (Luke  4:13-  R-  V.).  Did 
he  depart  forever?  (Luke  4:13;  22:28). 
Who  came  to  Jesus  when  the  devil  left? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE    AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


21 


What  will  always  happen  if  we  successfully 
resist  Satan?  Which  was  better,  the  angels' 
food  or  bread  made  out  of  stones? 

To  what  did  the  three-fold  temptation 
appeal?  (See  i  John  2:16).  To  what 
three-fold  conflict  of  ours  did  the  three- 
fold temptation  correspond?  Where  may 
we  find  a  sufficient  answer  to  every  sug- 
gestion of  the  devil?  In  what  are  all  these 
temptations  one?  Did  the  devil  appear  to 
Jesus  undisguised?  How  does  he  often 
appear?  (2  Cor.  11:14).  Did  the  devil 
intend  to  help  or  hinder  God's  cause? 
What  did  he  really  do?  (Heb.  2:17,  18; 
4:15,  16).  Do  we  ever  get  beyond  tempta- 
tion? What  was  the  shield  with  which 
Christ  quenched  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
wicked  one?     (Eph.  6:16). 

CLASSIFICATION   OF   TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus  Christ. 

His  divinity,  4,  7,  10;  humanity,  2; 
dependence  on  the  Word,  loyalty  to 
the  Word,  use  of  the  Word,  4,  7,  10; 
surrender  to  the  Spirit's  leading,  i ; 
unquestioning  obedience,  10 ;  perfect 
trust,  4;  self-sacrificing  love,  2-4  (cf. 
Phil.    2 :6-8)  ;    triumphant   victorj^,   4, 

7,  10;  matchless  sympathy  (cf.  Heb. 
4:15),  sinlessness,  suffering,  2-11  (cf. 
Luke  4:2). 

2.    Satan. 

His    reality,   3-10;    personality,   3,   5,   6, 

8,  9,  10;  names — the  devil,  the  tempt- 


er, Satan,  i,  3,  10;  daring,  3;  cunning, 

3,  6;  malignity,  3-10;  power,  6,  8,  9; 
ambition,  9;  persistence,  8;  defeat,  4, 
7,  10,  11;  work — suggests  doubts, 
tempts   to   sin,   3,   6,  9. 

The   Word. 

Its  divine  authority,  its  sufficiency — 
a  safeguard  against  unbelief  and  sin, 

4,  7,  10;  its  protecting  power— the 
devil's  misuse  met  by  an  appeal  to  the 
Word  itself  (compare  verse  6  with 
verse  7). 

Jesus  and  the  Word :  He  used  it  as 
His  sole  weapon  in  fighting  the  devil, 
4,  7,  10;  He  conquered  by  it,  11. 

Satan  and  the  Word :  he  quoted  it, 
perverted  it,  6;  was  overcome  by  it, 
II. 

Temptation. 

Its   author — the  devil,   i. 

Its  object — even  perfect  men,   i. 

Its  time — after  most  exalted  experi- 
ences, I. 

Its  character — continuous,  2  (see  Luke 
4:2);  multiform,  3,  6,  9. 

Its  value — preparation  for  service,  i ; 
leads  to  angelic  ministry,   11. 

Its  point  of  attack — our  weakest  point, 
2,  3 ;  our  strongest  point,  6. 

Its  agencies — our  physical  necessities,  2, 
3;  our  desire  for  influence,  8;  our 
desire  for  spiritual  attainments,  the 
Word,  6. 

Its  antidote — the  Word  of  God,  4,  7,  10. 


LESSON  9. 

John  the  Baptist's  Testimony  regarding  Our  Lord. 

John  1:19-34. 


/.  John's  testimony  before  the  priests 
and  Levites,  vv.   19-28. 

What  proof  have  we  of  the  far-reaching 
impression  of  John  the  Baptist's  work? 
What    was    the    purpose    of    the    Jews    in 


sending  these  priests  and  Levites  to  make 
inquiry  of  John  the  Baptist?  What  was 
the  first  question  they  put  to  him?  What 
characteristic  of  John  comes  out  in  his 
answer?    Who  did  the  Jews  think  he  might 


22 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


be?  (v.  20).  If  not  the  Christ,  who  did 
they  think  he  might  be?  (v.  21,  R.  V.). 
What  was  the  Jewish  expectation  regarding 
Elijah?  (Matt.  17:10).  Was  there  any 
sense  in  which  John  was  Elijah?  (Matt. 
17:12,  13).  In  what  sense  was  he  Elijah? 
(Luke  1:17).  If  not  Elijah,  who  did  they 
think  he  might  be?  Whom  did  they  mean 
by  "that  prophet"?  (Deut.  18:15-19). 
Who  did  John  tell  them  that  he  really  was? 
What  characteristic  of  John  comes  out  in 
that  answer?  Where  did  John  learn  this 
answer?  (Is.  40:3-5).  To  what  party  did 
these  messengers  belong?  What  were  the 
characteristics  of  that  party?  Of  what  did 
they  demand  an  explanation?  (v.  25). 
What  two  baptisms  did  John  compare? 
(vv.  26,  33).  What  comparisons  did  he 
draw  between  himself  and  Jesus? 

2.  John's  testimony  before  his  disciples, 
vv.  29-34. 

For  what  purpose  was  Jesus  coming  to 
John?  (v.  Z7)-  What  was  John's  testi- 
mony concerning  Jesus?  What  did  John 
mean  by  calling  Jesus  "the  Lamb"?  (Is. 
53:6,  7,  10;  Ex.  12:3,  6,  7,  13).  Why  the 
"Lamb  of  God"?  (i  Pet.  1:18-20;  Ro. 
8:32;  Gen.  22:8).  What  did  John  invite 
those  who  stood  with  him  to  do  in  regard 
to  "the  Lamb"?  What  is  it  the  business 
of  the  Christian  worker  today  to  invite  the 
world  to  do?  How  can  he  do  this?  (i 
Cor.  1:23).  What  is  meant  by  "taketh 
away  the  sin"?  (Hos.  14:2;  2  Cor.  5:21; 
Gal.  3:13;  Titus  2:14;  Heb.  9:26,  28;  i 
John  3:5;  4:10;  Lev.  16:21,  22;  Ps.  103:12). 
How  much  sin  did  He  take  away?  (i  John 
2:2).  For  whom  then  is  the  Gospel  offer 
open?  (Rev.  22:17).  If  Jesus  "taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  zvorld,"  why  is  any  man 
lost?  (John  3:18,  19;  5:40;  Heb.  10:28, 
29).  Where  did  John  get  this  wonderful 
view  of  Christ  and  His  work?     (Is.  53:6, 


10,  11;  V.  33).  What  previous  testimony 
that  he  had  given  concerning  Jesus  did 
John  repeat?  (v.  30).  What  did  John 
mean  by  saying  "He  was  before  me"? 
(v.  2;  8:58;  17:5;  Col.  1:17). 

Did  John  know  who  was  to  be  the  Mes- 
siah and  the  Lamb  of  God  when  he  entered 
on  his  ministry?  What  was  all  that  he  did 
know?  Did  he  ask  for  any  more  light 
at  that  time?  What  did  he  do?  (Mark 
1:3-5;  Acts  19:4).  For  what  was  he 
content  to  wait  before  he  should  recognize 
the  One  for  whom  he  was  so  faithfully 
preparing  the  way?  Do  we  know  when 
Christ  will  come  again?  What  do  we 
know?  (Actsi:ii).  If  we  were  like  John 
what  would  we  do? 

What  was  John's  further  testimony 
concerning  Jesus?  What  fact  had  John 
emphasized  beside  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
descended  upon  Jesus?  To  what  word  in 
the  Old  Testament  prophecy  does  this 
"abode"  in  John's  testimony  correspond? 
(Is.  11:2).  Of  what  was  the  descent  and 
abiding  of  the  Spirit  upon  Jesus  a  proof 
to  John?  Why  was  it  a  conclusive  proof? 
What  is  the  only  conclusive  proof  of  any 
view  or  opinion  that  we  hold?  (Is.  8:20; 
John  10:35;  Matt.  24:35).  Had  John  had 
my  thought  whatever  before  this  that 
Jesus  was  the  Christ?  (Matt.  3:13,  14). 
For  what  did  John  wait  before  he  pro- 
claimed his  view  to  the  world?  What 
lesson  is  there  here  for  us?  Is  the  testi- 
mony of  such  a  man  of  much  value?  What 
are  you  going  to  do  with  it?  What  power 
on  Christ's  part  was  connected  with  the 
abiding  of  the  Spirit  upon  Himself?  How 
far  can  we  impart  the  Spirit  to  others? 
What  is  it  John  tells  us  that  Jesus  can  do 
for  us?  Has  He  ever  done  it  for  you?  Do 
you  w^ant  Him  to?  What  will  be  the 
effects  of  that  baptism?     (i   Cor.   12:4-13; 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


23 


Acts    i:8;    4:31;    Heb.    1:9;    John    4:14; 
15:26,  27;  16:7-14). 

What  further  testimony  did  John  give 
regarding  Jesus?  Did  John  say  that  Jesus 
was  a  Son  of  God?  How  much  does  that 
mean?  (v.  18;  3:16,  18,  35;  5:22,  23;  Matt. 
11:27;  26:63,  64;  Luke  1:35;  Ro.  1:4;  Heb. 
1:1,  2,  3,  5,  6).  What  is  God's  verdict 
upon  all  who  deny  the  deity  of  Jesus? 
(i  John  2:22,  23,  cf.  I  John  5:1,  5).  Was 
John's  testimony  founded  upon  a  guess? 
(v.  34).  Is  it  worth  receiving?  Will  you 
receive  it?  Is  there  any  testimony  greater 
even    than    that    of    John?      (John    5:36). 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

r.     The  Triune  God. 
(i).     The  Father: 
Speaks   to   man,  bears  witness  to   His 
Son,    His    clear   anc^  sufficient   direc- 
tions to  His  obedient  servants,  leads 
His  servants  one  step  at  a  time,  2,2; 
the  demands  of  His  holiness  met  by 
His  Son  in  His  atonement,  29. 
(2).     The    Son: 
His  nature — diVine,  34 ;  human,  33. 
His    character — humble — took    the    sin- 
ner's place,  sinless,  29  (cf.  Ex.  12:5). 


John's  testimony  concerning  Jesus 
(founded  upon  what  he  saw,  v.  34)  — 
the  Lamb  of  God,  bore  the  sin  of  the 
world,  29;  the  Spirit  descended  upon 
Him,  the  Spirit  abode  upon  Him,  32; 
the  Spirit  imparted  by  Him,  33;  the 
Son  of  God,  34. 

The  Father's  testimony — "He  that  bap- 
tizeth  with  the  Holy  Spirit,"  2)2>- 
(3).     The  Holy  Spirit : 

His  personality,  distinction  between 
Him  and  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
anointing  Jesus  for  His  work,  the 
Father's  gift  to  the  Son,  the  Son's 
gift  to  us,  32,  2>2>- 

The  Bible. 

Its  authority  and  sufficiency.  John  from 
the  deep  study  of  it  became  wiser 
than  any  of  his  contemporaries  and 
than  many  modern  theologians,  22> 
(cf.  Isaiah  53;  Micah  5:2). 

Model  preaching  (John  the  Baptist). 

Intensely  Biblical,  29,  30;  exceedingly 
positive,  34;  emphasized  Jesus'  deity 
and  atonement,  29,  34;  the  combined 
product  of  Bible  study  and  personal 
experience,  Z3,  34. 


LESSON  10. 
Our  Lord's  First  Disciples. 


John  1:35-51. 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.     Looking  upon  Jcsiis,  vv.  35,  36. 

What  great  preacher  do  we  see  in  the 
opening  verse?  How  large  a  congregation 
did  he  have?  Were  they  very  notable 
personages?  Was  it  worth  while  for  so 
great  a  preacher  to  preach  to  so  small  a 
congregation  of  such  obscure  persons? 
What  was  the  sermon  John  preached? 
What  were  its  characteristics?  Had  John 
ever  delivered  that  message  before?  Ought 
he  not  then  to   have  gotten  up  something 


new?  How  much  good  of  which  we  know 
came  out  of  that  sermon?  What  was  it 
that  caused  John  to  burst  out  with  this 
earnest  cry?  What  kind  of  a  look  was  it 
that  he  cast  upon  Jesus  as  He  walked? 

2.    Follozving  Jesus,  v.  37. 

After  looking  at  Jesus,  what  did  John's 
disciples  do?  Before  we  can  truly  follow 
Jesus,  what  must  we  do?  By  which  are 
we  saved,  looking  or  following?  (Is.  45: 
22;  John  3:14,  15;  Num.  21:9.)  What  is 
the   relation   of   following  Jesus   to   being 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


saved  by  Jesus?  (Mark  10:52.)  What 
was  it  led  the  two  disciples  to  follow  Jesus  ? 
(Compare  4:39,  40.)  How  did  John  feel 
when  he  saw  his  disciples  leaving  him  and 
going  after  Jesus?  (See  3:26,  29,  30.) 
What  good  example  in  this  matter  has 
John  set  to  all  preachers  in  all  ages  ?  Why 
is  it  that  some  men's  hearers  never  start 
to   follow  Jesus? 

3.    Abiding  with  Jesus,  vv.  3S,  39. 

Were  these  men  regenerated  when  they 
started  to  seek  Jesus?  Will  an  unregen- 
erated  man  seek  Jesus?  (Ro.  3:11;  John 
6:44;  Luke  7:37,  38.)  As  soon  as  they  be- 
gan to  follow  Jesus,  what  did  He  do? 
What  will  He  always  do  when  we  start 
in  pursuit  of  Him?  (Luke  15:20.)  What 
is  the  full  force  of  the  word  "saw"  (see 
R.  V.)?  What  question  did  He  put  to 
them?  What  do  men  seek  when  they  seek 
Jesus?  (Luke  7:37,  48-So;  Mark  10:51; 
John  6:26,  etc.)  What  are  you  seeking? 
What  was  their  answer?  What  was  the 
meaning  of  their  reply?  By  what  title  did 
they  address  Him?  Had  they  any  reason 
for  giving  Him  a  loftier  title  than  that? 
Why  didn't  they?  (Luke  24:25;  Matt.  8: 
26.)  What  was  Jesus'  reply  to  their  re- 
quest? What  is  always  His  word  to  those 
who  wish  to  come  to  Him?  (John  6:37; 
Rev.  22:17.)  How  did  they  show  their 
wisdom  in  the  way  in  which  they  dealt 
with  Christ's  invitation?  Why  don't 
men  today  accept  Christ's  invitation  at 
once?  (2  Cor.  4:3,  4.)  Did  they  do  any- 
thing besides  go  to  the  house?  What  did 
they  talk  about?  Was  it  a  happy  day? 
Of  what  future  privilege  of  ours  is  this 
abiding  with  Jesus  a  type?  (John  14:2, 
3.)  In  how  many  points  is  there  a  simi- 
larity? Is  He  abiding  with  youf  If  we 
cannot  now  abide  with  Him  what  can 
we  do?     (John  15:4-) 


4.    Bringing   others   to  Jesus,  vv.   40-46. 

Who  was  one  of  the  two  whom  John  the 
Baptist  had  pointed  to  Jesus?  Who  was 
the  other?  What  was  the  effect  of  that 
visit  with  Jesus  upon  Andrew?  What  will 
always  be  the  effect  upon  any  true  brother 
of  a  visit  with  Jesus?  Why  is  it  so  many 
professedly  Christian  young  men  never  go 
and  tell  their  brothers  about  Jesus?  To 
whom  did  Andrew  go  first?  If  one  desires 
to  preach  the  Gospel,  where  is  the  place  to 
begin?  (Luke  8:39.)  What  was  Andrew's 
testimony  to  Peter?  Had  Andrew  been 
sure  when  he  went  home  with  Him  that 
Jesus  was  the  Messiah?  How  had  he  be- 
come sure?  What  is  the  best  way  to  get 
assurance  that  Jesus  is  indeed  the  Christ? 
(John  4:42.)  After  he  had  given  his  tes- 
timony, what  did  Andrew  do  with  Peter? 
Ought  we  to  stop  with  giving  our  testi- 
mony about  Jesus  ? 

What  was  the  first  thing  that  Jesus  did 
as  Simon  was  brought  into  His  pres£nce 
(see  R.  V.)  ?  What  is  the  first  thing  He 
does  when  we  come  ihto  His  presence? 
What  kind  of  look  was  it?  What  did 
Jesus  say  to  Simon  as  the  result  of  that 
gaze  into  his  heart?  How  did  Jesus  know 
that  Simon  would  become  a  Peter  (a 
rock)?  (vv.  47,  48;  2:24,  25;  6:70,  71.) 
What  was  it  that  was  to  transform  Simon 
Peter?     (Matt.  16:16-18;  i  John  5:5.) 

What  desire  was  there  in  Jesus'  heart 
next  day?  Why  did  He  not  wish  to  remain 
longer  where  He  was?  Why  did  He  wish 
to  go  into  Galilee?  Whom  did  He  find 
there?  How  did  He  come  to  find  Philip? 
Is  He  looking  for  any  of  us?  Will  He 
find  us?  Was  it  a  good  thing  for  Philip 
that  Jesus  found  him?  (Luke  22:28-30.) 
What  was  Jesus'  invitation  to  Philip  ?  Does 
it  pay  to  accept  that  invitation?  (Matt. 
19:28.)     How  can  we  follow  Jesus  today? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


25 


(i  Peter  2:21;  Phil.  2:5-8.)  What  was 
PhiHp's  relation  to  Andrew  and  Peter? 
Had  this  anything  to  do  with  his  following 
Jesus  so  promptly? 

As  soon  as  Jesus  had  found  Philip,  what 
did  Philip  do?  When  Jesus  really  finds  a 
man,  what  is  that  man  sure  to  do?  (See 
4:28,  29.)  Why  is  it  some  of  us  are  so 
indifferent  about  going  out  and  finding 
some  one  else?  Whom  did  Philip  find? 
Why  did  he  go  to  Nathanael  (v.  47)  ? 
What  was  Philip's  testimony?  What  made 
him  so  positive?  Was  Nathanael  ready 
to  accept  his  testimony  at  once?  Why 
not?  What  kind  of  a  skeptic  was  Nathan- 
ael? Did  he  remain  a  skeptic  very  long? 
Will  any  honest  skeptic  remain  a  skeptic 
very  long?  What  was  Philip's  answer  to 
Nathanael's  incredulous  question?  What 
is  the  best  answer  to  any  one  who  questions 
Jesus'  deity,  or  that  He  is  the  Christ,  or 
that  He  has  the  power  to  save,  or  that  He 
is  altogether  what  He  claims  to  be?  How 
did  Nathanael  show  that  he  was  an  honest 
skeptic?  How  do  many  who  claim  to  be 
honest  skeptics  show  that  they  are  not? 

5.  Coining  to  Jesus,  seeing  and  hearing 
Jesus,  and  losing  all  doubts  about  Jesus, 
w.  47-51- 

As  Nathanael  approached  Jesus,  what 
did  Jesus  do?  As  He  looked  at  him,  what 
did  He  see?  How  did  Jesus  show  that 
He  had  penetrated  the  innermost  depths 
of  Nathanael's  soul?  What  is  it  to  be  "an 
Israelite  indeed"?  (Phil.  2:2.)  What  was 
the  effect  of  Jesus'  declaration  upon  Na- 
thanael? How  was  his  amazement  inten- 
sified? How  did  Jesus  know  all  this? 
(Ps.  139:1,  2.)  What  was  Nathanael  do- 
ing under  the  fig  tree?  What  truth  flashed 
upon  him  at  once?  Was  he  justified  in 
his  conclusion?  Why  did  he  see  it  so 
quickly?  (v.  47;  7:17;  8:47.)  What  was 
the    effect    upon    Jesus    of   this    ready    re- 


sponse of  Nathanael's  faith?  What  promise 
did  He  make  him?  Why  should  he  see 
greater  things?  (Matt.  13:12;  25:29.) 
Why  is  it  that  no  greater  things  are  given 
to  some  of  us  to  see?  What  were  the 
greater  things  he  was  to  see? 

To  what  is  allusion  made  in  the  angels 
ascending  and  descending  upon  the  Son  of 
Man?  (Gen.  28:12.)  What  is  meant  by 
their  "seeing  heaven  opened  and  the  angels 
of  God  ascending  and  descending  upon  the 
Son  of  Man"?  (Heb.  10:19,  20;  Eph.  2: 
18;  Heb.   1:4;   Luke  24:4;   Matt.  25:31.) 

CLASSIFICATION      OF     TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus  Christ. 
(i).     His  titles: 
Jesus,    Lamb    of    God,    36;    rabbi,    38; 
Messiah,  41 ;  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  Son 
of    Joseph,    45 ;    Son    of    God,    King 
(2).     Ilis    divine    knowledge: 
Of  what  man  was,  42,  47;  of  what  man 
was   to   become,   42 ;   of   events    at   a 
distance,  48. 
(3).     What  Jesus  is: 
The     medium    of    communication     be- 
tween God  and  man,  the  One  through 
whom      God      exercises      protecting 
power,  51. 
(4).     Jesus   and   sinful  men: 
He    attracts,    37;    He    looks    at,    sees 
through,   transforms,   38,   42,  47;    He 
invites,  39;   He  welcomes,  38,  39-47; 
He  encourages,  42,  50;  He  saves,  36. 
2.     Six  steps  of  experience. 

Hearing  of  Jesus,  looking  upon  Jesus, 
36;  following  Jesus,  37;  abiding  with 
Jesus,    39 ;    testifying    of    Jesus,    41 ; 
bringing  others  to  Jesus,  42. 
3-     Seeking. 

Jesus  seeking  men,  35,  36,  43;  men 
seeking  Jesus,  37,  47;  men  who  have 
found  Jesus  seeking  others,  41,  45. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  11. 
Our  Lord's  First  Miracle.    John  2:1-12. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

1.  Jesus  invited  to  a  marriage,  w.  i,  2. 
What  kind  of  occasion  was   a  marriage 

in  the  Holy  Land?  (Look  this  up  care- 
fully in  the  Bible.)  What  idea  does  it 
give  us  of  Jesus'  character  that  He  viras 
"bidden  to  the  marriage"  and  accepted  the 
invitation?  Did  He  look  upon  the  mirth 
and  gladness  of  the  entertainment  virith  dis- 
approval? Did  His  presence  detract  at 
all  from  the  overflowing  joyfulness  of  the 
occasion?  Who  by  His  presence  and  bless- 
ing saved  the  occasion  from  ending  in  mor- 
tification and  disappointment?  By  reason 
of  His  presence,  how  did  it  end  (v.  10)  ? 
If  we  wish  our  social  and  festive  gather- 
ings to  be  marked  by  the  deepest  and  abid- 
ing joy,  whose  presence  must  we  secure? 
Why  is  Jesus  so  often  absent  from  our 
social  gatherings?  (James  4:2,  1.  c.)  Do 
we  lose  anything  by  His  not  being  there? 
Would  He  like  to  come? 

2.  His  help  needed  and  sought,  w.  3,  4. 

When  was  the  presence  of  Jesus  especial- 
ly noticed  and  appreciated?  When  are  we 
most  likely  to  think  of  His  presence  among 
us?  (Ps.  107:6,  13,  19,  28.)  When  "the 
wine  fails"  in  our  lives,  what  is  the  best 
thing  to  do?     (Ps.  50:15.) 

Who  was  it  thought  of  going  to  Jesus 
in  this  emergency?  Why  was  it  she  who 
thought  of  it?  Had  she  ever  known  of 
His  performing  miracles?  (v.  11.)  Was 
she  a  woman  of  great  faith?  (Luke  i  :45.) 
In  what  way  did  she  make  her  request? 
If  we  have  any  need,  what  is  all  we  need 
to  do?  (Phil.  4:6,  7.)  Did  she  get  im- 
mediate satisfaction?  Do  we  always  get 
immediate  satisfaction  when  we  make  our 


requests  known  to  Him?  Does  that  prove 
that  our  requests  will  not  be  granted? 
Was  the  answer  of  Jesus  to  His  mother  as 
harsh  as  it  sounds  to  our  ears?  (Compare 
19:26,  27;  20:13,  15;  Matt.  15:28.)  What 
was  the  purpose  of  this  answer?  (Compare 
Luke  2:49.) 

3.  His  help  expected  and  prepared  for, 
z'v.  5-7- 

Was  the  expectation  of  the  mother  of 
Jesus  at  all  shaken  by  His  answer?  Why 
not?  What  wise  counsel  did  she  give  the 
servants?  Did  she  regard  herself  or  Jesus 
as  the  One  to  whom  men  should  look  for 
direction  and  blessing?  How  does  this 
bear  on  Mariolatry?  How  much  of  what 
Pie  said  were  they  to  do?  Of  what  is  this 
doing  "whatsoever  He  saith"  the  indispen- 
sable condition?  (See  15:14.)  Does  it 
pay?     (Luke  5:5,  6;  Heb.  5:9.) 

What  singular  direction  did  Jesus  give 
the  servants?  What  was  the  purpose  of 
this  direction?  (Num.  21:6-9;  Josh.  6:3-5; 
I  Kings  17:13,  14;  2  Kings  5:10-14;  John 
9:7-11,  39,  40;  Luke  17:14;  Acts  8:26.) 
How  did  these  servants  show  they  had 
faith?  How  did  they  show  the  earnestness 
and  fullness  of  their  faith?  If  they  had 
filled  them  only  half  full,  how  much  wine 
would  they  have  had?  (2  Kings  4:4;  13:18, 
19.)  Why  is  it  that  our  vessels  are  not 
full  "to  the  brim"  with  the  wine  of  the 
kingdom?     (Matt.  9:29.) 

4.  His  help  granted  and  appreciated,  vv. 
8-12. 

To  what  final  test  did  He  put  the  faith 
of  the  servants?  Was  that  much  of  a 
test?  If  these  servants  had  been  like  many 
of  us,  what  would  they  have  done?    What 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


did  they  do?  Why?  What  was  the  re- 
sult? At  what  point  was  the  water  made 
wine?  What  sort  of  power  did  the  turn- 
ing of  water  into  wine  prove  Jesus  to 
possess?  Was  it  good  wine  (v.  lo)  ?  Does 
Jesus  turn  water  into  wine  nowadays?  Has 
He  ever  turned  water  into  wine  for  you? 
Why  not?     Will  you  let  Him  today? 

What  comment  did  the  ruler  of  the 
feast  make  upon  the  wine  Jesus  made? 
In  the  worldly  life  when  do  you  always  get 
the  better  wine?  In  the  Christian  life, 
when?  (Luke  16:25;  Rev.  7:16;  John  4: 
14.")  What  did  men  see  in  this  miracle 
that  Jesus  wrought?  (John  1:14.)  How 
did  this  opening  miracle  of  Jesus'  ministry 
differ  from  the  opening  miracles  of  Moses' 
ministry?  (Ex.  7:19-21.)  How  do  you 
account  for  this  difference?  (John  1:17.) 
What  was  the  effect  of  this  miracle  upon 
His  disciples?  What  did  they  believe? 
How  many  times  in  this  Gospel  does  John 
record  the  fact  that  men  believed  on  Jesus? 
What  is  the  purpose  of  this  Gospel?  (See 
20:30,  31.)  How  does  John  seek  to  secure 
this  end?  (By  setting  forth  the  facts 
that  wrought  faith  in  him  and  his  fellow 
disciples,  and  the  effects  upon  the  disciples 
of  those  things  they  witnessed.  John's 
Gospel  is  a  picture  of  Jesus'  life  with  an 
especial  reference  to  the  effect  of  that  life 
upon  the  development  of  the  author's  own 
faith  and  spiritual  life.  This  is  one  thing 
that  gives  the  Gospel  a  spiritual  life  and 
power  that  none  of  the  others  possess.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

T.    Jesus  Christ. 

Possesses  creative  power,  9;  superior 
to  human  relations,  4;  of  a  genial 
disposition,  welcome  guest  on  festal 
occasions,  2 ;  saved  the  occasion  from 


disaster,  turns  misfortune  into  glad- 
ness, 3-10;  made  the  chief  contribu- 
tion to  its  gladness,  10;  should  be 
looked  to  when  the  wine  fails,  those 
who  know  Him  best  are  quickest  to 
go  to  Him  for  help,  3;  goes  where 
He  is  invited,  2 ;  carries  a  blessing 
where  He  goes,  6-10;  never  acts 
until  the  time  is  ripe,  4 ;  puts  faith 
to  the  test,  7,  8;  rewards  faith  when 
it  shows  itself  fitted  by  standing  the 
test,  grants  not  only  necessities  but 
also  things  that  minister  to  mirth 
and  gladness,  gives  the  best  wine  last, 
9,   10. 

2.  Jesus  in  social  life. 

Sought  after,  went,  2 ;  needed,  appealed 
to,  3;  obeyed,  5-8;  brought  bless- 
ing,  10. 

3.  Faith. 

Seeks  help  from  Jesus,  3 ;  is  tested  by 
apparent  refusal,  4;  is  tested  by  being 
given  an  apparently  unreasonable 
thing  to  do,  does  as  it  is  told,  5-8; 
asks  no  questions,  gets  according  to 
its  measure,  7 ;  gets  what  it  seeks, 
9,  10;  recognizes  the  meaning  of 
Jesus'  test,  beholds  His  glory,  11. 

4.  Mary. 

Dependence  upon  Jesus,  3 ;  ignorance 
of  His  purpose,  misunderstanding  of 
her  relation  to  Him,  4;  unwavering 
faith,  3,  5 ;  humble  recognition  of  her 
true  position,  5;  abundant  reward, 
9,   10. 

5.  How  to  get  blessings. 

Let  Jesus  know  you  need  them,  3;  be 
discouraged  by  no  seeming  rebuke,  4; 
believe  you  are  going  to  get  them, 
do  as  you  are  told,  5-8. 


28 


STUDIES   IN   THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  12. 
The  First  Cleansing  of  the  Temple. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

/.  The  temple  defiled  by  man,  but 
cleansed  by  Jesus,  vv.  13-17- 

Why  did  Jesus  go  so  often  up  to  Jeru- 
salem at  the  time  of  the  Passover?  (Deut. 
16:16;  Luke  2:41;  John  6:4;  ii:55-)  What 
did  He  find  in  the  house  of  God?  For 
what  w^ere  the  oxen  and  sheep,  etc.,  needed? 
(Deut.  14:26.)  Was  Jesus  pleased  to  see 
them  there?  If  He  should  visit  the  house 
of  God  in  our  land,  would  He  find  any- 
thing like  that?  Would  it  please  Him? 
For  which  is  there  a  better  excuse,  for 
these  Jews  or  for  us?  What  did  Jesus  do? 
Was  it  the  force  in  the  scourge  of 
cords  or  the  display  of  muscular  energy  on 
the  part  of  Jesus  that  drove  these  defilers 
of  the  temple  out?  (See  18:6;  Zech.  4:6, 
II;  2  Cor.  10:4.)  Did  this  purification  of 
the  temple  prove  permanent?  (Matt.  21  -.12.^ 
Does  it  follow  that  because  a  reformation 
is  not  permanent  that  it  is  not  of  God? 
Why  is  it  that  all  reforms  wrought  among 
men  are  of  so  transient  a  character?  (Jer. 
17:9;   Gen.  6:5;   Ro.  8:7.) 

Did  He  drive  out  them  that  sold  doves? 
Why  not?  What  did  He  do?  In  what 
ways  is  God's  house  nowadays  made  "a 
house  of  merchandise"?  Was  there  any 
hint  or  prophecy  of  this  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment? (Is.  56:11 ;  Jer.  7:11.)  When  Jesus 
purged  the  temple  the  first  time,  what  did 
He  say  they  had  made  it?  When  He  purged 
it  the  second  time,  what  did  He  say  they 
had  made  it?  (Luke  19:45,  46.)  Which 
is  the  worse?  Is  there  any  lesson  in  this? 
(Matt.  12:43,  45-) 

How  does  Jesus  speak  of  God?  (See 
5:17;  8:49;  10:29;  Luke  2:49.)  Why  did 
He  not  say  "Your  Father"  or  "Our 
Father"?       (John    3:16.)      When    did    He 


John  2:13-25. 

say  "Your  Father"?  (John  20:17.)  How 
does  God  become  "our"  Father?  (John 
1:12;  Gal.  3:26.)  Until  we  believe  on 
Jesus,  what  are  we?  (i  John  3:10.)  What 
did  this  action  of  Jesus  call  to  the  dis- 
ciples' mind?  What  ought  all  the  events 
of  life  to  call  to  mind?  Why  did  the 
Scripture  come  so  readily  to  the  minds 
of  the  disciples?  Why  does  it  not  come 
more  readily  to  our  minds?  Of  whom  was 
this  Scripture  written?  What  then  did 
the  disciples,  by  this  act,  see  Jesus  to  be? 

2.  The  temple  destroyed  by  man,  but 
raised  again  by  Jesus,  vv.  18-22. 

Who  else  recognized  in  this  action  of 
Jesus  a  claim  to  be  the  Messiah?  What 
difference  was  there  between  the  recogni- 
tion of  this  fact  on  the  part  of  the  dis- 
ciples and  on  the  part  of  the  Jewish  lead- 
ers? What  demand  did  they  make?  What 
similar  demand  did  they  make  on  the  oc- 
casion of  the  second  cleansing  of  the  tem- 
ple? (Matt.  21:33.)  Do  men  nowadays 
ever  try  to  stop  faithful  servants  of  God 
who  are  doing  what  they  themselves  ought 
but  will  not,  do,  by  asking:  "By  what 
authority  doest  thou  these  things"?  What 
is  all  the  authority  a  man  needs  for  doing 
right?  (Acts  5:28,  29.)  Did  these  Jews 
really  wish  a  sign?  (Matt.  12:38,  39.) 
Do  men  who  today  are  asking  for  the 
proof  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God  really 
wish  proof?  Did  these  men  accept  the 
sign  when  it  was  really  given  them? 
(Matt.  28:11-13.)  What  sign  did  Jesus 
propose  to  them?  What  was  the  sign  to 
which  Jesus  always  pointed  them?  (Matt. 
12:38,  40;  16:1,  4.)  What  is  the  great 
proof  that  declares  Jesus  to  be  "the  Son 
of  God  with  power"?  (Ro.  1:4.)  In 
these  words — "Destroy  this  temple  and  in 


STUDIES   IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


29 


three  days  I  will  raise  it  up" — of  what  two 
great  events  was  there  a  prophecy  ?  In 
the  shadow  of  what  then  did  Jesus  conduct 
His  ministry  from  the  very  outset?  How 
was  that  shadow  illuminated? 

Who  did  Jesus  say  would  raise  up  the 
temple?  Did  Jesus  raise  Himself  from 
the  dead?  (John  10:17,  18;  Mark  8:31; 
Acts  3:26;  Ro.  4:24;  8:11;  I  Cor.  15:3,  4. 
12.)  Was  Jesus  understood  by  those  who 
heard?  Why  not?  What  use  of  this  say- 
ing of  Jesus  was  made  at  a  later  day? 
(Matt.  26:60,  61;  27:40.)  Of  what  temple 
was  He  speaking?  Wherein  lay  the  pro- 
priety of  calling  His  body  a  temple?  (John 
1:14,  R.  V.  margin;  Col.  1:19;  2:9.) 
What  was  the  relation  of  the  other  temples 
to  this?  (i  Kings  8:27;  see  Col.  2:9.)  In 
killing  Jesus,  what  did  the  Jews  destroy? 
Was  this  a  serious  offence?  Is  there  any 
way  in  which  we  too  can  defile  and  de- 
stroy this  temple  of  God?  (i  Cor.  6:19; 
3:16,  17,  R.  V.)  When  did  the  disciples 
remember  and  understand  these  words  of 
Jesus?  How  did  they  come  to  remember 
them?  (John  14:26;  16:4;  Luke  24:7,  8.) 
What  was  the  effect  upon  them  when  they 
remembered  these  words?  What  Scripture 
did  they  remember?  (John  20:8,  9;  Ps. 
16:10;  Is.  53:10.)  Was  theirs  a  saving 
faith?     What  was  the  basis  of  it? 

J.  Men  believing  in  Jesus,  bnt  Jesus 
not  believing  in  men,  vv.   23-25. 

What  was  the  effect  of  Jesus'  miracles 
upon  those  who  saw  them?  Who  is  the 
fiist  recorded  illustration  of  those  who 
were  convinced  through  Christ's  miracles? 
(John  3:1,  2;  6:14;  7-Z'^-)  Was  it  a  sav- 
ing faith  that  most  of  these  men  had? 
What  are  the  characteristics  of  saving 
faith?  (Ro.  10:10;  John  1:12;  Gal.  5:6; 
Eph.  3:16,  17;  Jas.  2:14,  R-  V.)  Did  Jesus 
believe  in  those  who  beUeved  in  Him?  (In 
the  Greek,  "believe"  in  verse  23  and  "com- 


mit" in  verse  24  are  the  same  word.  This 
also  illustrates  what  real  faith  in  Jesus  is. 
It  is  "committing"  one's  self  unto  Him. 
See  2  Tim.  i  :i2.)  Is  it  wise  to  trust  in 
man?  (Jer.  17:5)  Why  did  Jesus  not 
believe  in  these  men?  How  deep  was 
Jesus'  knowledge  of  men?  (John  1:42, 
46,  47;  5:42;  6:64;  16:19,  30;  21  :i7.)  What 
did  this  knowledge  of  men  show  Jesus  to 
be?  (Jer.  17:9,  10;  2  Chron.  6:30.)  How 
alone  can  we  know  men?     (Acts  13:9-11.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TE.\CHINGS. 

/.    Jesus  Christ. 
His  deity:  consciousness  of  Sonship,  16; 
divine    knowledge,    24,    25     (2    Chron. 
6 :3o)  ;    divine    foresight    of    His    own 
death     and     resurrection,     19;     divine 
power    to    raise    from    the    dead,    19; 
divine    fulness,   21    (Col.    2:19);    deity 
proved    by    His    resurrection,    19    (Ro. 
1:4). 
His  humanity,  subject  to  death,  19. 
The  Messiah,  17  (Ps.  69:9). 
The  subject  of  prophecy,  17,  22. 
The   substance  of  whom  Old  Testament 

types  were  the  shadow,  21. 
Obeyed    the    law,    followed   parental    ex- 
ample, sought  needy  multitudes,  13. 
Displeased  with  the  degradation  of  His 
Father's    house    into    a   place    of   gain, 
drove  the  polluters  out  of  it,  15. 
2.    Man. 

Unworthy  of  confidence,  24;  misunder- 
stands Christ,  20;  turns  godliness 
into  gain,  14;  tries  to  hinder  Jesus' 
work,  18;  heart  fully  set  to  do  evil, 
his  reform  transient,  goes  from  bad 
to  worse,  15,  16  (Luke  19:45,  46). 

J.     The   disciples   and   the    Word. 

Studied,  remembered,  believed,  were 
saved  through  the  Word,  17,  22  (John 
5:24). 


30 


STUDIES   IN   THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  13. 

Eternal  Life:     What  It  Is,  What  It  Cost,  and  Who  Can 
Have  It.     John  3:1-21. 

niSCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 


/.  Eternal  life  man's  greatest  need,  vv. 
I-I3- 

Why  did  Nicodemus  come  to  Jesus  at 
all?  Why  did  he  come  by  night?  (John 
12:42,  43.)  How  many  times  is  he  spoken 
of  in  the  Bible  as  "he  that  came  to  Jesus 
by  night"?  Is  that  a  very  flattering  title? 
Are  there  any  nowadays  that  deserve  it? 
Will  those  who  never  come  out  openly  on 
Christ's  side  be  saved?  (Ro.  10:10;  Matt. 
10:32,  33.)  What  did  Nicodemus  recognize 
in  Jesus?  On  what  ground?  Was  he 
right  in  thinking  that  the  signs  Jesus  did 
were  conclusive  evidence  that  He  was  "a 
teacher  come  from  God"?  (John  5:36; 
9:30-33;  14:10,  11;  Acts  2:22.)  Why  is 
it  then  that  men  reject  Jesus  as  such  in 
face  of  all  these  miracles?  (John  12:37-40; 
15:2.-2-24.)  What  was  all  that  Nicodemus 
recognized  his  need  of  at  the  outset?  What 
did  Jesus  show  him  that  he  needed?  What 
sort  of  man  was  he?  And  yet,  what  did 
he  need  before  he  could  see  or  enter  the 
kingdom  of  God? 

What  is  it  to  be  "born  again"?  (John 
1:13;  2  Pet.  1:4;  2  Cor.  5:17-)  How  can  a 
man  be  "born  again"?  (John  i  :i2;  3:14;  see 
Num.  21:8).  How  had  Nicodemus  tried 
to  dodge  the  searching  force  of  Christ's 
word?  What  is  unbelief  always  asking? 
Did  Jesus  tell  him  "how"?  What  did  He 
tell  him?  How  do  we  know  that  Jesus 
regarded  this  teaching  as  of  more  than 
ordinary   importance? 

Are  we  to  understand  from  verse  5  that 
it  is  necessary  for  a  man  to  be  baptized  in 
order  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God? 


(See  Luke  23:39-43.)  Are  we  to  under- 
stand that  it  is  through  baptism  that  men 
are  begotten  again?  (Compare  i  Cor.  4: 
IS  with  I  Cor.  i  :i4.)  What  is  the 
"cleansing  water"  of  which  a  man  must  be 
born  in  order  to  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  God?  (John  15:3;  Eph.  5:26;  James 
i:i8;  I  Pet.  1:23.)  Who  then  is  the  agent 
in  regeneration  according  to  verse  5?  What 
is  the  instrument  the  Spirit  uses?  What 
is  the  sinner's  part  in  the  new  birth? 
(John  1:12;  5:24.)  What  is  the  preachers 
part  in  regeneration?  (i  Cor.  4:15;  Ro. 
10:14.) 

Why  does  every  man  need  to  be  born 
again  (v.  6)?  (Ro.  8:7,  8;  Gal.  5:19- 
21;  Ps.  55:5;  Gen.  6:5.)  Is  it  enough  to 
cultivate  and  refine  and  reform  the  flesh 
(vv.  6,  7)  ?     (Gal.  6:1s;  Matt.  7:16;  12:33.) 

By  what  figure  does  Jesus  illustrate  the 
operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  (v.  8)  ?  What 
are  the  three  points  in  which  the  operation 
of  the  Spirit  is  like  "the  wind"  (v.  8)  ? 
(i  Cor.  12:11.)  Did  Nicodemus  under- 
stand? Should  he  have  understood  all 
this  before  the  Saviour  told  him?  (Deut. 
30:6;  Ps.  51:5,  6,  10;  Jer.  Z'^:2,2>;  32:39. 
40;  Ezek.  11:19;  18:31;  36:25-27.)  Why 
didn't  he  know  all  this?     (Matt.  22:29.) 

Was  Christ's  doctrine  about  the  Holy 
Spirit  and  the  new  birth  mere  guesswork 
and  speculation  (vv.  11,  32)  ?  (7:16;  8:38.) 
What  did  He  say  was  done  with  His 
testimony  (v.  11)  ?  Have  men  changed 
any  in  this  respect?  What  have  men  done 
in  all  ages  with  God's  testimony?  (Is. 
53:1;  John  i:ii;  3:32;  5:29,  40,  43,  44; 
Matt.  23:37;  Acts  7:51.  52;  28:23-27.)  Why 
do  men  treat  God's  testimony  in  this  way? 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


31 


(2  Cor.  4:4.)  What  thoughts  about  Jesus 
does  the  13th  verse  give  us? 

2.  Eternal  life  purchased  by  the  death 
of  the  Son  and  fully  offered  to  all  by  the 
Father,  vv.  14-17. 

How  was  man's  need  of  life  met?  What 
is  meant  by  "lifted  up"?  (See  12:32.) 
What  word  shows  the  absolute  necessity 
of  the  death  of  Jesus  if  men  are  to  have 
life?  (Luke  24:46;  Heb.  9:22;  Gal.  3:13; 
2  Cor.  5:21;  I  Pet.  2:24.)  What  are  the 
points  of  resemblance  between  Christ  and 
the  serpent  lifted  up  by  Moses  in  the  wil- 
derness? (i — Ro.  6:23,  compare  Num. 
21:6;  ii  and  iii — Ro.  8:3,  compare  Num. 
21:8;  iv — "Lifted  up,"  Gal,  3:13,  compare 
Num.  21 :8 ;  v — Is.  45 :22,  compare  Num. 
21:8;  vi — Acts  4:12,  compare  Num.  21:9; 
vii — "Whosoever,"  compare  Num.  21  :g.) 

What  change  does  the  Revised  Version 
make  in  verse  15?  What  is  its  significance? 
Where  did  the  sacrifice  of  the  Son  have 
its  origin?  How  comprehensive  was  this 
love  of  God?  Did  it  take  in  sinners? 
(Ro.  5:6,  8.)  What  little  word  sets  forth 
the  greatness  and  character  of  that  love? 
What  is  the  character  of  God's  love  as  set 
forth  in  the  i6th  verse?  The  measure  of 
it?  Which  made  the  greater  sacrifice,  the 
Son  in  humbling  Himself  (Phil.  2:6-8)  or 
the  Father  in  giving  His  only  begotten 
Son?  What  more  could  God  give?  Of 
what  is  the  giving  of  His  Son  a  pledge? 
(Ro.  ^•.2)^.)  What  was  the  purpose  of 
God's  love  in  giving  His  Son?  Who  would 
have  perished  if  He  had  not  given  His  Son? 
(Ro.  3:23;  6:23;  Gal.  3:10.)  Who  can 
have  life  eternal  now  that  He  has  given 
His  Son?  Whom  does  "whosoever"  mean? 
(John  6:40;  Is.  45:22;  John  6:37;  i  Tim. 
1:15.)  What  does  every  one  who  believes 
get?  How  soon  does  he  get  it?  (John 
^•.36;  Acts  13:39.)     What  is  eternal  life? 


(John  10:28;  6:40;  17:3;  I  John  1:2; 
5:20.)  How  is  it  to  be  obtained?  (John 
3:36.)  What  was  God's  purpose  in  sending 
His  Son?  (See  v.  17  especially,  R.  V.) 
In  what  sense  is  the  whole  world  saved 
by  Him?  (i  John  2:2,  R.  V. ;  i  Cor.  15:21, 
22;  Ro.  5:18.)  Who  alone  are  saved  by 
Him  in  the  fullest  sense?  (i  Tim.  4:10.) 
Why  are  not  all  men  saved  by  Him? 
(John  i:ii;  5:40;  Matt.  23:37.) 

3.  Eternal  life  accepted  by  believers,  re- 
jected by  unbelievers,  vv.   18-21. 

Into  what  two  classes  does  the  i8th  verse 
divide  all  men?  Is  there  any  middle 
ground  between  those  who  believe  and  be- 
lieve not?  What  is  the  present  standing 
before  God  of  all  who  believe?  (John  5: 
24.)  Will  those  who  believe  ever  be  con- 
demned? (John  10:28;  Ro.  8:33,  34.) 
What  is  the  present  standing  of  those  who 
believe  not?  Why  are  they  condemned? 
What  is  the  one  sin  that  brings  condemna- 
tion upon  men?  (John  16:9.)  Are  men 
eternally  lost  because  they  have  sinned? 
Why  then  are  men  eternally  lost?  Why 
is  it  that  men  do  not  come  to  Christ  (v. 
19)  ?  What  is  the  greatest  proof  of  the 
badness  of  the  human  heart  and  its  love 
of  evil  "darkness  rather  than  light"?  If 
a  man  does  not  come  to  Jesus  as  "the 
Light  of  the  world,"  what  does  it  prove? 
What  lies  at  the  root  of  unbelief?  Why 
do  men  hate  the  light?  Why  do  men 
hate  Jesus?  (John  7:7.)  Why  don't  you 
come  to  the  light? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     The  Triune  God. 
(i).    The   Father: 
His  love — 

(a)  Its  character;  universal,  holy — 
demanding  and  providing  an  atone- 
ment, self-sacrificing,  saving,  self- 
imparting,   infinite,    16. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


(b)  Its  object:  the  world,  i6. 

(c)  Its    measure:    "gave    His    only 
begotten   Son,"  i6. 

(d)  Its  purpose:  to  save  and  impart 
life,  i6. 

(e)  Its  effect:  all  who  receive  get 
eternal  life,  i6. 

(2).    The   Son. 

Deity,  16;  humanity,  14,  16;  pre-exist- 
ence,  heavenly  origin,  omnipresence, 
humiliation,  13;  divinely  accredited, 
12;  an  atoning  Saviour  must  die  that 
man  might  live,  14,  16;  the  light  of 
the  world,  hated  by  the  world,  19,  20; 
the  touchstone  of  character,  19-21. 
(3).    The   Holy   Spirit. 

His  work — 

Author  of  the  new  birth,  5 ;  sovereign — 
"Where  it  listeth,"  mysterious — "Not 
tell  whence  it  cometh,"  effectual — 
"Hearest  the  voice,"  8. 


2.    Man. 

Lost  by  nature,  3-6;  can  be  saved  only 
by  a  death,  14 ;  ignorant  of  the  Word, 
10;  always  wants  God  to  explain,  4, 
9;  will  not  accept  God's  testimony, 
II;  hates  light,  19;  deeds  evil,  20; 
redeemed  by  Christ's  death,  14-17. 
S-     The  nezv  birth. 

Necessity:  universal,  3,  5,  7;  because  man 

is  by  generation  only  "flesh,"  6. 
Nature:    impartation    of   the    divine   na- 
ture, 6. 
Author :  the  Holy  Spirit,  5. 
Instrument:   the  Word,  5. 
Method :   looking  unto  and  believing  on 
the  Saviour  lifted  up,  14-16. 
4.    Nicodemus. 

Moral,  religious,  orthodox,  zealous,  i, 
10;  high  aspirations,  earnest  seeker 
after  truth,  2;  and  yet  he  must  be 
born  again,  3,  5,  7;  loved  the  praise 
of  men  more  than  the  praise  of 
God,  2. 


LESSON  14. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  of  Samaria.    John  4:1-30. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  Jesus,  a  weary  pilgrim  in  a  hostile 
land — "despised  and  rejected  of  men,"  vv. 
1-6. 

Why  did  the  report  that  reached  the 
ears  of  the  Pharisees  that  Jesus  "was 
making  and  baptizing  more  disciples  than 
John"  make  His  departure  into  Galilee 
necessary?  (c.  10:39;  11:47-54;  Mark 
3:6,7.)  To  whom  did  His  rejection  by 
Judah  bring  a  blessing?  Of  what  coming 
dealing  of  God  with  Jew  and  Gentile  was 
this  a  hint  or  prophecy?  (Acts  13:46; 
Ro.  ii:ii.)  Was  there  any  deeper  reason 
why  Jesus  "must  needs  pass  through 
Samaria"  than  that  that  was  the  shortest 
route  through  Galilee?    (Luke  2:49;  15:4.) 


What  drew  Jesus  more  irresistibly  than 
anything  else  on  earth?  (Luke  19:10; 
Matt.  14:14;  Mark  6:31-34.)  In  what 
physical  condition  was  Jesus  when  He 
reached  Jacob's  well?  Was  He  often  weary 
and  hungry  and  thirsty  ?  (Matt.  8 :24 ;  4 :2 ; 
Luke  9:58.)  For  whose  sake  did  He  en- 
dure this  fatigue  and  want?  (2  Cor.  8:9.) 
For  what  did  this  endurance  of  human  need 
and  suffering  prepare  Him?  (Heb.  2:16- 
18;  4:15,  16.)  When  we  are  hungry  and 
weary,  and  tempted  to  be  discouraged  in 
the  Lord's  service,  what  is  the  best  thing 
to  do?     (Heb.  12:2,  3.) 

2.  Jesus,  the  Bestower  of  Everlasting 
Life,  vv.  7-15. 

What  occurred  to  make  Jesus  forget  all 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


33 


about  His  weariness  and  hunger?  What 
was  the  first  thought  Jesus  had  as  He  saw 
the  woman  drawing  near?  What  is  the 
first  thought  a  Christian  ought  always  to 
have  as  an  unsaved  sinner  draws  near? 
What  was  the  woman  coming  for?  Did  she 
get  water?  How  much  water  did  she 
come  for  (v.  28)  ?  How  much  did  she 
get  (v.  14)  ?  Was  it  a  very  likely  time 
of  day  for  a  woman  to  come  for  water? 
How  did  she  happen  to  come  out  at  that 
time  of  day?  (John  6:44,  Z7.)  Did  her 
going  out  at  noon  to  draw  water  seem 
like  a  very  important  circumstance  in  that 
woman's  life?  How  much  really  hung  upon 
it? 

What  was  Jesus'  object  in  asking  her  for 
a  drink?  When  Jesus  asks  a  small  favor 
of  us,  what  is  always  His  object?  What 
are  the  lessons  for  a  Christian  worker  to 
learn  from  the  way  in  which  Jesus  ap- 
proached this  woman?  What  sort  of  a 
woman  was  she  (vv.  17,  18)  ?  Did  the  fact 
that  she  was  vile  repel  Jesus  from  her? 
Why  had  Jesus  an  excellent  opportunity 
to  deal  with  the  woman?  Did  the  woman 
respond  very  readily  to  Jesus'  request  for 
a  drink?  What  light  does  her  answer 
throw  upon  her  character?  Did  Jesus  get 
at  all  the  drink  He  asked  for?  What 
sweeter  refreshment  did  He  get  (v.  34)  ? 
What  two  things  did  Jesus  say  she  needed 
to  know  (v.  10)?  What  is  the  "gift  of 
God"  to  which  Jesus  refers  here?  (v.  14; 
Luke  11:13;  Acts  1:4;  2:33,  38.)  What 
else  is  spoken  of  in  the  Word  as  "the 
gift  of  God"?  (Ro.  6:23;  John  3:16;  Ro. 
8:32.)  What  was  the  reason  why  this 
woman  had  not  "asked  of  Him"  instead 
of  He  of  her?  What  is  the  reason  why 
all  men  do  not  "ask  of  Him"  today?  What 
ought  our  main  business  then  be  if  we  want 
men  to  ask  and  get  "living  water"  (vv. 
28,    29)?      What    did    Jesus    say    was    all 


that  was  necessary  to  get  this  "living 
water"?  (Luke  11:8-13.)  What  is  this 
"living  water"  that  Jesus  gives?  (Is.  44:3; 
John  7:37-39)  Why  is  the  Holy  Spirit 
spoken  of  as  "living  water"?  (Ezek. 
7:9;  John  6:63  with  v.   14.) 

Did  the  woman  comprehend  at  all  what 
Jesus  was  talking  about?  Why  not?  (i 
Cor.  2:14.)  Did  she  seem  to  be  a  very 
hopeful  case  to  deal  with?  If  Jesus  had 
been  like  most  of  us,  what  would  He  have 
done  after  such  an  outburst  of  stupidity 
and  spiritual  ignorance?  Of  what  was 
there  a  mixture  in  the  question  in  the 
I2th  verse?  Did  Jesus  give  her  up?  What 
did  He  do? 

Of  how  many  wells  is  it  true  that  every 
one  that  drinketh  of  them  shall  thirst 
again?  (Eccl.  2.)  How  many  of  those 
who  drink  of  these  wells  will  remain  un- 
satisfied? How  many  wells  are  there  of 
which  if  a  man  drink  "he  will  never 
thirst"?  Where  is  this  water  to  be  had? 
Who  can  have  it  ?  (John  7  -.2,7 ;  Rev.  22 :  17 ; 
Is.  55  :i.)  How  many  will  this  water 
satisfy  forever?  Why  will  they  never 
thirst?  How  full  will  this  "well  of  water" 
be  if  one  really  gets  it  in  his  soul  ?  (7 :37- 
39.)  What  had  Jesus  told  Nicodemus  in 
the  previous  lesson  was  his  great  need? 
(■3:5-)  What  does  He  here  tell  the  woman 
is  her  great  need?  Did  the  woman  of 
Samaria  and  Nicodemus  seem  very  much 
alike?  Was  there  any  essential  difference 
between  them?  (Ro.  3:22,  23.)  Did  the 
woman  understand  Jesus  yet?  What  was 
the  matter?  Did  Jesus  give  her  up?  What 
was  it  the  woman  desired?  What  ought 
she  to  have  desired? 

3.    Jesus  the  searcher  of  hearts,  vv.  16-24. 

What  was  the  next  tack  upon  which 
Jesus  approached  the  woman?  What  was 
Jesus'  object  in  telling  her  to  call  her 
husband?      Before    sinners    can    see    the 


34 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUK  LORD 


beauty  of  Jesus  as  Saviour,  what  must  they 
first  see?  Why  had  not  Jesus  gone  to 
work  the  very  first  thing  to  awaken  con- 
viction of  sin?  Is  there  any  lesson  here 
for  Christian  workers?  What  was  Jesus' 
ultimate  object  in  wounding  her  guilty  con- 
science? How  did  Jesus  know  she  had 
had  five  husbands?  (i  :42,  47,  48;  2 124,  25 ; 
Heb.  4:13;  Rev.  2:23.) 

What  did  the  woman  recognize  in  Jesus 
when  she  saw  that  He  had  read  her  heart? 
Was  her  conclusion  warranted  by  the 
facts  in  the  case?  What  did  she  come 
to  recognize  in  Jesus  later  (v.  29)  ?  How 
had  the  woman  tried  to  avoid  the  close 
personal  dealing  of  Jesus  (v.  20)  ?  Did 
she  succeed  in  this  way  in  escaping  the 
penetrating  heart-searching  to  which  Jesus 
was  subjecting  her? 

What  was  it  she  sought  to  find  out  about 
worship?  What  did  Jesus  show  her  was 
a  more  important  question  than  "where" 
shall  we  worship?  What  is  His  answer  to 
the  question:  "How  shall  we  worship"? 
What  is  it  to  "worship  the  Father  in  spirit 
and  in  truth"?  (Ro.  8:26;  Eph.  6:18; 
Phil.  3:3,  R.  v.;  Jude  20;  Lev.  10:1,  2; 
compare  16:12;  9:24;  i  Cor.  15:13.)  By 
what  words  did  Jesus  point  out  the  Father's 
earnest     desire     for     such     worshippers? 

4.    Jesus  the  Messiah,  vv.  25-30. 

What  did  the  woman  say  she  knew? 
What  didn't  she  know?  What  startling  an- 
nouncement did  Jesus  make  to  her?  What 
was  the  effect  of  that  revelation  upon  the 
woman?  When  Jesus  reveals  Himself  to 
any  one  as  the  Christ,  what  will  he  at 
once  desire  to  do?  (See  1:41,  45.)  Why 
did  she  leave  her  water  pot?  What  was 
her  message?  Was  that  a  good  sermon? 
Was  it  eflfective?  Did  the  labor  spent  on 
this  apparently  hopeless  case  pay?  Who 
can  preach  such  a  sermon  as  that?  What 
would  be  the  result  if  every  one  who  had 


found  Christ  Himself  went  about  inviting 
people  to  "come  see  a  Man  who  told  me 
all  things  that  ever  I  did"? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus   Christ. 

(i).     His   humanity. 

Weary,  6;    thirsty,   7;    hungry,  8. 
(2).     His  deity. 
The  divine  searcher  of  hearts,  17,  18; 
the  divine  bestower  of  living  water 
and  eternal  life,  10,   14. 
(3).     His   compassion. 
"Must    needs    pass    through    Samaria" 
because  of  the  perishing  souls  there 
that  needed  Him,  4. 
(4).     His  loving  severity. 

He  wounded  that  He  might  heal,  16. 
(5).     His  offices. 
A  heart-searching  Prophet,  19;  a  com- 
passionate   Priest,  6    (compare   Heb. 
2:16-18;    4:15,    16);    a   divinely  ap- 
pointed King,  26. 
(6).     His  justice  and  mercy. 
Leaves    the    place    where    He    is    not 
wanted  and  goes  where  He  is  wanted, 
3,4- 
(7).     His  love  for  souls. 
Hunger,  thirst  and  weariness  all  for- 
gotten in  the  joy  of  leading  a  soul 
to   Himself,    6,   7. 
(8).     His    method   of   dealing   with   the 
unsaved. 
Had  compassion  on  the  vilest,   17,  18; 
eager  to  save,  7;  sought  one  out,  4; 
on  the  alert  for  opportunities  to  deal 
with    her,    7;    took   her    alone    with 
Himself,   8;    sought    a    small    favor 
that  he  might  grant  a  great  one,  7, 
10;   first    gained  attention   and   con- 
fidence, 7-15;  then  aimed  directly  at 
conviction  and  conversion  by  piercing 
the  conscience,  16;  held  to  the  main 
point,    20,    21 ;    deftly   turned    every 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


35 


question,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  19,  20, 
24;  exercised  great  patience,  9,  11, 
12,  15,  20,  21 ;  revealed  Himself,  26. 

T/ze  woman  of  Samaria. 

Vile,  17,  18;  mean,  9;  ignorant,  10; 
full  of  questions,  9,  11,  12,  20,  29; 
incredibly  stupid,  11,  12,  15;  unsatis- 
fied, 13,  15;  wanted  the  gift,  but  not 
the  Giver,  15;  convicted,  17;  tried 
to  dodge  the  convicting  truth,  20,  21 ; 
got  a  view  of  Christ,  26;  came  to 
get  a  pitcher  of  water  and  got  an 
everflowing  and  overflowing  foun- 
tain, 7,  10,  14;  left  her  pitcher,  28; 
preached  Jesus — "Come  see  a  Man," 
29;  brought  a  whole  city  to  Him, 
30,  39- 


The  woman  of  Samaria  and  Nicodemus 
contrasted. 


A  woman. 
A  Samaritan. 
A  prostitute. 
Came  at  noon  day. 
Confessed   Jesus   at 

once. 
Brought     a     whole 

city  to  Jesus. 


A  man. 

A  Jew. 

A  teacher  of  Israel. 

Came  by  night. 

A  secret  disciple  for 

years. 
Brought  (?)  to 

Jesus. 


A  common  need — the  Holy  Spirit,  John 
3:5;  4:14.     "There  is  no  difference." 
4.    True  worship. 

Not  where,  but  how,  21-24;  God  the 
object,  24;  the  Spirit,  the  inspirer, 
23;  the  Word,  the  rule,  23;  every- 
where, the   place,   21. 


LESSON  15. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Samaritans.    John  4:31-42, 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  "My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Hint 
that  sent  Me  and  to  finish  His  work," 
w.  31-38. 

As  soon  as  the  woman  of  Samaria  left 
Jesus,  what  did  the  disciples  do?  What 
word  in  verse  31  shows  that  Jesus  was  in 
very  deep  thought  after  the  departure  of 
the  woman?  What  about?  Did  Jesus  yield 
to  the  earnest  request  of  the  disciples?  In 
what  physical  condition  had  the  disciples 
left  Jesus  when  they  went  into  the  city? 
(vv.  6,  8.)  Was  Jesus  really  ahungered 
now?  Why  not  (v.  32)?  What  insight 
into  the  condition  of  the  disciples  at  that 
time  does  verse  32  give?  Are  there  many 
disciples  today  who  do  not  know  this  food 
of  which  Jesus  speaks?  How  did  the  dis- 
ciples further  reveal  their  stupidity  (v.  2,i)  ? 
Are  there  any  disciples  today  as  dull  as 
these? 

Had  the  disciples  spoken  the  question  in 
verse  33  to  Jesus?     How  then   did  Jesus 


know  their  question?  V/hat  does  this 
show  about  Jesus?  What  was  Jesus'  an- 
swer to  the  question  that  they  put  to  one 
another?  What  did  Jesus  mean  by  say- 
ing: "My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Him 
that  sent  Me  and  to  finish  His  work"? 
(compare  Ps.  40:8;  Is.  61:1-3;  Luke  15: 
4-6;  19:10).  What  does  verse  34  teach  us 
as  to  the  relation  between  Jesus  and  the 
Father?  For  what  purpose  did  Jesus  come 
into  this  world?  (John  6:38.)  What  was 
all  that  Jesus  sought  to  accomplish  (v.  34. 
R.  V.)  ?  What  was  the  Father's  work 
that  Jesus  sought  to  accomplish?  Did 
Jesus  accomplish  it?  (John  17 :4-)  What 
ought  to  be  every  disciple's  meat? 

What  time  of  year  was  it?  How  long 
was  this  before  the  harvest  that  the  Jews 
had  their  eyes  upon?  What  harvest  did 
Jesus  have  His  eyes  upon?  What  was  the 
condition  of  that  harvest?  What  is  the 
condition  of  that  harvest  today?  Which 
harvest  does  it  pay  best  to  reap?     What 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


will  one  get  if  he  reaps  that  harvest? 
(Dan.  12:2;  Ro.  1:13;  6:22;  i  Cor.  3:14, 
15;  9:19-23;  Phil.  2:15,  16;  I  Thess.  2:19; 
2  Tim.  4:7,  8;  James  5:19,  20.)  What 
kind  of  fruit  does  he  gather?  What  two 
persons  can  rejoice  together?  Do  the 
sowers  and  the  reapers  always  rejoice  to- 
gether? Why  not?  When  any  one  reaps 
this  harvest,  with  whom  ought  the  credit 
to  be  shared?  What  had  Jesus  sent  the 
disciples  to  reap  (v.  38)  ?  Of  whom  is 
that  true  today?  Does  the  reaper  always 
recognize  this  fact? 

2.    A  great  revival,  vv.  39-42. 

What  was  the  effect  of  the  woman's  tes- 
timony upon  the  Samaritans?  How  many 
were  influenced  by  her  testimony?  What 
reason  was  there  why  her  testimony  might 
not  be  expected  to  count  for  much?  What 
was  it  in  the  woman's  testimony  that  par- 
ticularly convinced  the  Samaritans?  What 
does  the  39th  verse  teach  about  the  power 
of  testimony?  Why  are  there  not  more 
persons  won  by  the  testimony  of  those  who 
have  seen  and  heard  Jesus?  If  this  woman's 
testimony  had  so  much  power,  who  else's 
testimony  might  have  power? 

Having  believed  because  of  this  woman's 
testimony,  what  did  the  Samaritans  next 
do  (v.  40)  ?  What  request  did  they  make 
of  Jesus?  What  reason  did  Jesus  have 
for  not  yielding  to  their  request?  Why 
did  He  yield  to  it?  With  how  many  per- 
sons will  Jesus  abide  today  if  they  will 
only  ask  Him?  (Rev.  3:20.)  How  long 
did  He  abide  with  the  Samaritans?  How 
long  will  He  abide  with  us?  What  was 
the  effect  of  Jesus'  visit  with  them?  Why 
did  these  believe?  Which  is  better,  the 
faith  that  is  built  upon  hearing  testimony 
about  Him,  or  the  faith  that  is  built  on 
listening  to  Him?  Upon  what  is  your 
faith  built,  upon  listening  to  some  one 
else's    testimony    about    Him    or    listening 


to  His  own  voice?  How  does  true  faith 
come?  (Ro.  10:17,  compare  Heb.  11  :i-30.) 
What  did  the  Samaritans  tell  the  woman 
that  they  had  heard  that  was  better  than 
her  testimony?  What  was  the  result  of 
hearing  for  themselves?  What  did  the 
Samaritans  say  that  they  knew? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.  Jesus  Christ. 
His  humanity,  31 ;  His  deity — He  knew 
what  the  disciples  were  talking  about 
though  they  had  not  spoken  to  Him, 
33;  His  subordination  to  the  Father, 
His  love  for  the  Father,  His  very 
meat  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent 
Him  and  to  finish  His  work,  34 ;  His 
love  for  man,  even  the  outcast,  40; 
the  power  of  His  word,  39,  41 ;  the 
Saviour  of  the  world,  42. 

2.  The  Disciples. 

Knew  not  the  meat  that  Jesus  ate,  32; 
their  spiritual  dullness,  33;  blind  to 
the  fact  that  the  fields  were  white 
already  for  the  harvest,  35;  sent  to 
reap  a  harvest  upon  which  they  had 
bestowed  no  labor,  entered  into  other 
men's  labors,  38;  exhorted  by  Jesus 
to  lift  up  their  eyes  and  behold  the 
harvest  that  was  already  ripe,  35 ; 
received  wages  for  reaping  the  har- 
vest, gathered  fruit  unto  life  eternal, 
36;  called  to  rejoice  together  with 
the  sowers,  36,  37. 

3.  The  Samaritans. 

Many  believed  because  of  the  testimony 
of  the  woman,  39 ;  having  believed  in 
Jesus,  came  unto  Jesus,  besought 
Jesus  to  tarry  with  them,  40;  heard 
Jesus  for  themselves,  41,  42;  many 
more  believed  because  of  His  own 
word,  41 ;  when  they  heard  Jesus, 
were  quick  to  recognize  in  Him  the 
Saviour  of  the  world,  42. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND    TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


37 


LESSON  16. 

Our  Lord  Restoring  the  Nobleman's  Son.  John  4:43-54.   (See  also  Matthew 
14:3-5;   4:12-17;   Mark  6:17,  18;    1:14,  15;   Luke  3:19,  20.) 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  A  blessing  sought  and  faith  demanded, 
^^-  42-50- 

When  the  two  days  in  Samaria  were 
past,  did  Jesus  go  to  Nazareth?  Why  not 
(v.  44)  ?  What  is  meant  by  "His  own 
country"?  (Luke  4:23,  24;  Matt.  13:53, 
54.)  Why  does  a  prophet  have  no  honor 
in  his  own  country?  Ought  a  prophet  to 
have  honor?  Why?  Is  the  honor  due  to 
God's  prophets  often  denied  them?  (Acts 
7:52.)  Ought  a  servant  of  God  to  feel 
badly  when  the  honor  due  him  is  denied 
him?  (Matt.  5:12;  Luke  6:22,  23.)  Where 
is  the  honor  due  to  a  prophet  most  likely 
to  be  denied  him?  Did  Nazareth  gain  any- 
thing by  refusing  Jesus  the  honor  that  was 
His  due?  (Matt.  13  157,  58.)  Do  men  lose 
anything  today  by  not  receiving  Jesus  as 
they  ought?  Did  any  one  receive  Jesus 
(v.  45)  ?  Did  they  gain  anything  by  re- 
ceiving him?  What  do  those  who  fully 
receive  Him  gain?  (John  i  :i2.)  Why  did 
these  Galileans  receive  Him?  Was  that  a 
good  reason  for  receiving  Him  ?  What  simi- 
lar reason  have  we  for  receiving  Him 
today?  How  did  they  come  to  see  these 
miracles?  Did  they  do  right  to  go  up  to 
the  feast?  Was  much  trouble  involved  in 
their  going  up?  Did  it  pay?  Is  there 
any  lesson  for  us  in  this? 

To  what  particular  town  in  Galilee  did 
Jesus  go?  Why  did  He  go  there?  What 
proof  have  we  that  His  going  made  a 
good  deal  of  a  stir?  Was  the  nobleman 
a  person  who  would  have  been  likely  to 
seek  Jesus?  What  would  have  kept  him 
back?  What  brought  him  to  Jesus?  What 
is   it    usually   that   brings   men   to    Jesus? 


(Matt.  9:18;  15:22;  17:14,  15;  Luke  7:27- 
38.)  What  is  the  most  effective  way  to 
induce  men  to  overcome  the  obstacles  that 
lie  between  them  and  Jesus?  How  sick  was 
the  nobleman's  child?  Ought  such  an  ex- 
treme case  as  that  be  taken  to  the  Lord? 
(Gen.  18:14;  Luke  8:49,  50.)  Is  it  extreme 
cases  of  sickness  alone  that  should  be  taken 
to  Jesus?  (i  Tim.  1:15;  Eph.  2:1;  Heb. 
7:25.)  Why  did  this  nobleman  come  to 
Jesus?  Why  is  it  that  men  come  to  Jesus 
for  spiritual  life?  (John  6:68.)  What 
then  is  one  of  the  important  things  to 
show  men  if  we  would  induce  them  to 
come  to  Jesus?  (Acts  4:12.)  Does  Jesus 
wish  men  to  come  to  Him  with  their 
troubles?  (Ps.  50:15;  Matt.  11 128.)  Who 
may  this  "nobleman"  or  "king's  officer" 
(margin,  R.  V.)  have  been?  (Luke  8:3; 
Acts  13:1.)  How  did  he  know  that  "Jesus 
was  come"?  Before  men  call  upon  the 
Lord  now-a-days,  what  must  some  one 
do?  (Ro.  10:14.)  If  some  one  had  not 
told  that  nobleman  that  "Jesus  was  come," 
what  would  have  become  of  his  boy?  Un- 
less someone  tells  the  perishing  millions 
at  home  and  abroad  that  "the  Son  of  Man 
is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which 
is  lost,"  what  will  become  of  them?  Who 
can  deliver  that  message?  What  was  the 
most  important  work  that  the  one  who 
told  the  nobleman  that  "Jesus  was  come" 
did  that  day?  What  is  the  most  impor- 
tant work  any  of  us  can  do  any  day? 
(James  5:20.) 

What  was  the  first  thing  the  nobleman 
did  as  soon  as  he  heard  that  "Jesus  was 
come"?  Why  did  he  go  to  Jesus  so 
promptly?     Why  is  it  that  so  many  delay 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


when  they  hear  that  Jesus  is  come?  If  men 
realized  their  need  of  Jesus,  what  would 
they  do  as  soon  as  they  heard  He  had 
come? 

Having  come  to  Jesus,  what  was  the 
next  thing  the  nobleman  did?  If  we  want 
anything  of  the  Lord,  what  is  the  way  to 
get  it?  (Ps.  50:15;  Ro.  10:13;  Luke  11  -.13.) 
As  what  did  the  nobleman  come  to  Jesus? 
How  must  high  and  low  come  to  Jesus 
if  they  come  at  all?  What  did  the  noble- 
man think  it  was  necessary  that  Jesus 
should  do  in  order  to  heal  his  boy?  Did 
any  one  ever  come  to  Jesus  with  a  greater 
and  more  intelligent  faith  than  that?  (Matt. 
8:8-10.)  What  was  Jesus'  answer  to  the 
nobleman's  request?  Why  did  Jesus  say 
this?  Why  was  there  not  more  haste  on 
Jesus'  part  to  grant  the  request?  What 
was  more  urgent  than  the  healing  of  the 
nobleman's  boyf  Is  there  any  better  faith 
than  one  that  rests  upon  signs  and  won- 
ders that  we  see?  (v.  42;  20:29;  i  John 
5:10,  II;  2  Pet.  1:17-19.)  Are  there  any 
who  will  not  believe  even  when  they  see 
signs  and  wonders?  (John  12:37.)  With 
whom  was  Jesus  contrasting  the  Jews  in 
His  own  mind  when  He  said :  "Except  ye 
see  signs  and  wonders,  ye  will  in  no  wise 
believe"?  (vv.  29,  41,  42.)  In  what  light 
was  it  the  Samaritans  regarded  Him  and 
sought  Him  (v.  42)  ?  In  what  light  was 
it  the  nobleman  regarded  Him  and  sought 
Him  (v.  47)  ?  Does  Jesus  desire  more 
to  be  sought  as  "healer"  or  "Saviour"? 
Did  the  nobleman  allow  himself  to  be  put 
away  by  Jesus'  first  answer?  Why  not? 
Ought  we  to  cease  asking  when  we  do 
not  get  what  we  ask  the  first  time?  (Luke 
18  :i-8.)  What  was  the  result  of  the  noble- 
man's persistence?  Did  he  get  just  what 
he  asked?  Why  didn't  Jesus  go  down? 
Why  did  He  yield  to  the  nobleman's  re- 
quest at  all?  What  is  implied  by  the 
nobleman's    saying,    "Come    down   ere   my 


child  die"?     Could  not  Jesus  help  even  if 
the  child  were  dead?     (Mark  5:35-42.) 

2.  Faith  exercised  and  the  blessing 
granted,  vv.  50-54. 

Just  what  did  Jesus  say  to  the  nobleman? 
How  did  the  word  sound  to  the  noble- 
man? What  similar  sweet  words  is  Jesus 
ready  to  say  today?  What  was  the  first 
thing  the  nobleman  did  when  he  heard 
Jesus'  word?  Did  the  word  that  Jesus 
spoke  seem  probable?  Was  it  wise  for  the 
nobleman  to  "believe  the  word  that  Jesus 
spake"?  (Titus  1:2;  Matt.  24:35.)  What 
is  the  sole  ground  he  had  for  his  faith? 
Was  that  enough?  Is  that  enough  for 
you?  How  did  the  man  prove  that  he 
"believed  the  word  that  Jesus  spake"  ?  By 
what  did  the  nobleman  walk  from  Cana 
to  Capernaum?  (2  Cor.  5:7.)  Does  Jesus 
ever  demand  of  us  today  to  walk  by  faith  ? 
If  he  did  not  believe  Jesus,  what  would 
he  have  made  Him?  (i  John  5:10.)  Do 
you  ever  make  God  a  liar?  Did  the  noble- 
man's faith  prove  to  be  well-founded?  How 
did  it  all  turn  out?  How  will  everything 
turn  out?     (Acts  27:25;  Josh.  23:14.) 

When  had  the  improvement  in  the  sick 
boy  begun?  How  do  you  account  for  that? 
(Ps.  33:9;  107:20.)  Who  was  He  at 
whose  word  sickness  fled  away?  Was  the 
healing  affected  by  the  influence  of  the 
boy's  mind  upon  his  body?  Was  the  heal- 
ing instantaneous  ?  Does  God  always  work 
a  complete  work  in  a  moment?  (Mark 
4:28.)  What  was  the  effect  upon  the 
father  when  he  learned  that  the  boy  began 
to  grow  better  at  the  very  time  that  Jesus 
spake?  What  was  the  difference  between 
the  faith  of  the  nobleman  mentioned  in 
verse  50  and  that  mentioned  in  verse  53? 
Did  the  nobleman  believe  alone?  Is  it  to 
be  expected  when  a  man  believes  on  Jesus 
that  his  family  will  believe  also?  (Acts 
16:15,  31,  34;  18:8;  2:39.)     Why  are  there 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS   OF   OUR  LORD 


39 


so  many  instances  where  men  believe  but 
their  families  do  not? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus   Christ. 

Draws  the  afflicted  to  Him,  47;  can 
help  when  all  human  help  fails,  46, 
47;  His  help  must  be  sought  by 
prayer,  47-50;  answers  believing  per- 
sistent prayer  even  though  the  faith 
is  very  imperfect,  50;  grants  the 
substance,  though  does  not  always 
grant  the  letter,  of  the  request,  47,  49, 
50;  desires  to  be  recognized  and 
sought  as  Saviour  and  not  merely 
as  Healer,  48;  desires  the  faith  that 
is  satisfied  with  His  own  bare  word, 
though  it  sees  no  signs,  48,  50. 

2.    His  word 

Banishes  disease,  begets  faith,  never 
fails,  50-53. 
"Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God !" 


3.     The  nobleman. 

(i).  His  high  position,  suppliant  atti- 
tude, sore  distress,  46,  47;  imperfect 
faith — (a)  believed  Jesus  could  heal 
near  at  hand,  but  not  at  a  distance, 
47,  49 — (b)  believed  He  could  heal 
the  sick  but  not  raise  the  dead,  49; 
earnest  prayer,  47,  49;  searching  re- 
buke, 48;  undaunted  persistence,  49; 
unquestioning  obedience,  50;  abun- 
dant reward,  51,  53. 

(2).  He  needed  Jesus,  heard  of  Jesus, 
believed  in  Jesus,  came  to  Jesus,  47; 
prayed  to  Jesus,  47,  49;  held  on  to 
Jesus,  49;  obeyed  Jesus,  50;  received 
the  blessing  from  Jesus,  51-53. 

(3).     Three     steps     in     the     nobleman's 
faith, 
(a)     He  believed  in  Jesus'  power,  47; 

(b)  he  believed  in  Jesus'  word,  50; 

(c)  he  believed  in  Jesus  Himself,  53 


LESSON  17. 
Our   Lord   Rejected   at    Nazareth.     Luke   4:16-32. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

1.  Jesus'  love  for  the  house  of  God, 
V.  16. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  lesson?  Why 
did  Jesus  go  to  Nazareth?  In  what  way 
had  the  expectation  in  regard  to  Him  been 
awakened  in  the  hearts  of  the  people  (v. 
23)  ?  What  glimpse  does  the  i6th  verse 
give  into  Jesus'  habits?  Why  was  Jesus 
in  the  habit  of  going  to  church?  (2:49, 
R.  v.;  John  18:20.)  By  what  other 
teacher  was  this  custom  followed?  (Acts 
17:2.)  What  is  the  first  thing  He  is  re- 
corded as  doing  in  the  synagogue?  Did 
He  do  this  by  invitation? 

2.  Jesus'  familiarity  with  the  Word  of 
God,  vv.  17-27. 

What  Book  was  handed  Him  to  read 
there?    Was  He  familiar  with  that  Book? 


How  did  He  know  just  what  place  to  turn 
to?  Is  there  any  suggestion  here  for  us? 
What  is  suggested  as  to  who  Jesus  was  by 
the  Greek  word  for  "anointed"  (v.  18)  ? 
What  is  the  Hebrew  word?  By  applying 
this  then  to  Himself,  what  did  Jesus  pro- 
claim Himself  to  be?  Why  must  this  have 
been  peculiarly  startling  to  the  persons  to 
whom  He  made  the  proclamation?  With 
what  was  Jesus  anointed?  (Acts  10:38.) 
What  follows  in  Isaiah  immediately  after 
the  place  where  Jesus  closed  the  quota- 
tion? Why  didn't  Jesus  quote  those  words 
too? 

What  is  the  first  thing  Jesus  said  He 
was  to  do?  To  whom  was  He  to  preach 
the  Gospel?  What  does  "Gospel"  mean? 
Is  this  thought,  that  it  was  "the  poor"  to 
whom    the    glad    tidings    belonged,    found 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


elsewhere  in  the  Bible?  (6:20;  7:22;  Is. 
29:19;  Zeph.  3:12;  Zech.  ii:ii;  Matt:  5:3; 
11:5;  Jas.  2:5.)  What  are  these  good 
tidings?  What  was  the  next  thing  He  was 
to  do  (R.  V.)?  Captives  to  whom?  Re- 
leased from  what?  (John  8:34,  31,  32.)  If 
we  desire  liberty,  then  to  whom  must  we 
go  ?  What  was  the  third  thing  He  was  to 
do?  What  kind  of  "blind"?  (John  9:39-) 
If  we  want  sight  to  whom  must  we  go? 
(i  John  5:20.)  What  was  the  next  thing 
Jesus  was  to  do?  "Bruised"  by  whom? 
(Gen.  3:15.)  Can  you  give  a  Scriptural 
illustration  of  Jesus  doing  these  four 
things  ?  To  what  Jewish  custom  does  verse 
19  refer?  (Lev.  25:8-13;  50-54-)  Of  what 
was  the  year  of  jubilee  a  type?  What  is 
the  view  of  man's  natural  condition  which 
these  words  from  Isaiah  imply?  What  is 
the  only  way  of  deliverance  from  this  sad 
condition?  In  whom  did  Jesus  say  these 
words  were  fulfilled?  How  must  this  have 
sounded  to  His  hearers?  Whom  did  Jesus 
alwai's  preach?  Should  we  imitate  Him 
in  this?      (2  Cor.  4:5,  first   half.) 

What  does  the  record  indicate  as  to 
Jesus'  manner  as  He  spoke  these  startling 
words?  Did  He  have  the  attention  of 
His  audience?  How  did  He  get  it  (v.  18, 
32)  ?  How  was  His  audience  at  first  af- 
fected by  His  words?  Did  that  look  prom- 
ising? Was  this  early  promise  realized? 
What  was  the  next  thought  that  came  into 
their  minds?  What  was  the  meaning  of 
that  query  at  just  this  point?  What  was 
the  next  thought  that  Jesus  saw  stealing 
into  their  minds  (v.  23)  ?  What  does  that 
thought  imply?  In  what  proverb  does 
Jesus  sum  up  His  treatment?  Why  is  it 
that  "no  prophet  is  acceptable  in  his  own 
country"?  What  thought  comforted  Jesus 
in  His  disappointment  at  rejection  by  His 
own  (vv.  25,  27)  ?  What  is  it  we  always 
find    Jesus    quoting    in    every    emergency? 


How  was  it  that  Jesus  was  so  ready  with 
Scripture?  What  was  the  point  of  the 
quotations  here? 

3.  Jesus'  rejection  by  the  people  of  God, 
■vv.  28-30. 

What  was  the  effect  of  these  words  upon 
Jesus'  hearers?  Do  men  ever  get  angry 
at  the  truth  nowadays?  At  which  are 
men  most  likely  to  rage — at  truth  or  error? 
Why?  (John  7:7.)  If  you  hold  truth 
up  to  men,  will  they  always  accept  it?  Why 
not?  (John  3:19,  20.)  What  was  it  in 
this  particular  case  that  made  the  hearers 
rage?  (Compare  Acts  22:21-23.)  How 
many  of  His  hearers  were  "filled  with 
wrath"?  Does  it  prove  that  a  man  is  not 
preaching  as  he  should  when  all  his  hearers 
get  mad?  How  mad  were  they?  How  far 
did  they  get  Him?  What  happened  then? 
How  did  He  do  that?  (John  18:6,  7.) 
Did  He  ever  go  back  to  Nazareth?  (Com- 
pare Mark  i  :2i-34  with  vv.  31-46  and  Mark 
6:1-6;  Matt.  4:13  with  13:54-58.)  What 
were  the  steps  in  the  rejection  of  Jesus  at 
Nazareth?  (i — Wonder  and  admiration,  v. 
22 ;  ii — doubt,  v.  22 ;  iii — unbelief,  v.  23  ;  iv 
— anger,  rejection  and  hate,  v.  29.)  What 
is  the  lesson  in  that  for  us? 

Did  Jesus  give  up  preaching  because 
Nazareth  rejected  Him  and  imperiled  His 
life?  What  did  He  do  (v.  31)?  What  is 
the  lesson  in  that  for  us?  (Matt.  10:23; 
Acts  14:1,  2,  6,  7,  19-21;  17:1-3,  10.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 

(i).  His  person — human,  29;  divine,  18, 
21. 

(2).  His  character — affectionate,  church- 
loving,  16;  Bible-loving,  17,  25-27; 
gracious,  22;  compassionate,  18;  pa- 
tient, 29,  31 ;  awe-awakening,  30. 

(3).  His  work — to  teach,  31,  etc.;  to 
preach  the  Gospel,  to  open  blind  eyes, 
to  set  at  liberty  Satan'=  victims,    18. • 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


41 


to  inaugurate  the  Christian  year  of 
jubilee,  19. 
(4).  His  preaching — to  the  poor,  18; 
Scriptural,  18,  25-27;  in  the  Holy 
Ghost,  18;  gracious,  22;  with  power, 
32;  comforting,  18;  convicting,  28; 
awakening  anger,  29;  its  subject — 
Himself,  21. 


(5).     His    reception — admiration,    doubt, 
22;  unbelief,  23;  wrath,  28;  murder, 
29. 
2.    Man. 

(i).     By    nature — poor,    captive,    blind, 
bruised,  18. 

(2).     By   grace — rich,    free,    seeing,    re- 
deemed, 18,  19. 


LESSON  18. 

The  Call  of  the  First  Four  Disciples.     Luke  5:1-11 
4:18-22;  Mark  1:16-20.) 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE   FACTS. 

/.     Listening  to  Jesus,  vv.  1-3. 

Does  Luke  follow  the  chronological  or- 
der? (Compare  Matt.  4:18,  etc.;  Mark  i: 
16.)  Why  not?  Did  Jesus  have  much  of 
an  audience?  What  was  it  that  they  were 
after?  Are  there  multitudes  today  who 
are  eager  for  "the  Word  of  God"?  Was 
this  crowd  eager  for  "the  Word  of  God"  a 
welcome  sight  to  Jesus?  What  did  He  look 
around  for?  Where  did  He  find  a  pulpit? 
Was  that  a  very  attractive  pulpit?  What 
other  pulpits  did  Jesus  use  during  His 
lifetime?  Is  there  any  lesson  in  that  for 
men  who  are  looking  for  pulpits  today? 
What  was  Peter  doing  when  Jesus  asked 
the  loan  of  his  fishing  boat?  Was  that 
proper  work?  Was  he  willing  to  leave  it 
at  Jesus'  request? 

2.     Obeying  Jesus,  vv.  4-7. 

Did  Jesus  ask  His  disciples  to  keep  hear- 
ing sermons  all  the  time?  When  they  had 
heard  the  sermon,  what  did  He  tell  them 
to  do?  Was  Peter  just  as  pleasing  to 
Jesus  when  he  went  fishing  as  he  was 
when  he  sat  listening  to  the  sermon?  In 
how  much  of  our  business  and  ordinary 
hfe  is  Jesus  interested  today?  Of  what 
was  Jesus'  command  a  test?  (Compare 
Mark  3:5;  John  2:7;  11:39;  21:6.) 


(See  also  Matthew 


was  there  that  made  the  command  look 
foolish?  What  was  the  only  thing  in  favor 
of  letting  down  the  nets?  Was  that  enough? 
How  many  objections  of  our  reason  and 
commonsense  ought  the  word  of  Jesus  to 
outweigh?  Why  did  Jesus  tell  Peter  to 
launch  out  into  the  deep?  How  did  Jesus 
know  just  where  the  fish  were?  (Ps.  8:6, 
8.) 

What  is  the  first  thing  Peter  says  in  an- 
swer to  Jesus'  command?  Do  we  ever 
have  such  thoughts  arise  when  Jesus  com- 
mands us?  Is  the  fact  that  we  have  tried 
and  failed  any  reason  for  stopping  trying 
when  Jesus  bids  us  let  down  our  nets? 
Suppose  Peter  had  given  way  to  his  dis- 
couragement,   what    would    have   been   the 


consequences  1 


How 


it   when  we   sur- 


What 


render  to  our  discouragement?  What  was 
Peter's  second  thought  and  word  ?  What  is 
there  in  Peter's  reply  to  Jesus  that  would 
make  a  good  motto  for  every  Christian 
worker?  How  many  of  His  commands 
will  a  true  disciple  obey?  (John  2:5;  15: 
14.)  What  was  the  result  of  Peter's  obe- 
dience? What  always  awaits  the  obedient? 
(Deut.  11:27;  Is.  1:19.)  When  was  it 
they  enclosed  the  fishes?  When  is  it  al- 
ways that  we  get  the  blessing?  Did  they 
get  fishes  enough?     What  does  that  illus- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


trate?  What  did  Peter  do  in  his  emer- 
gency? Is  there  any  lesson  in  that?  If 
Peter  had  been  like  a  great  many  men 
what  would  he  have  done?  Was  there 
enough  for  both?  What  would  always  be- 
come of  some  of  our  boats  if  God  should 
load  them  as  fully  as  we  wish?  How  did 
Peter's  empty  boat  become  so  full? 

S.    Follozving  Jesus,  vv.  8-11. 

What  did  Peter  then  do?  What  was  it 
made  Peter  cry  to  the  Lord  to  depart— 
the  sight  of  the  great  catch  of  fishes,  or 
the  sight  of  the  sinking  ship?  What  did 
Peter  see  in  Christ  in  the  light  of  this 
miracle?  ("Master,"  v.  s;  "Lord,"  v.  8.) 
Was  that  right?  What  did  Peter  see  in 
himself  in  the  light  of  this  miracle?  Was 
that  right?  Where  then  was  Peter  wrong 
in  his  cry?  If  we  truly  know  ourselves 
and  truly  know  Jesus,  will  our  cry  to  Him 
be  to  depart?  Did  the  time  ever  come 
when  the  recognition  of  who  Jesus  was 
drew  Peter  to  Him?  (John  21:6,  7.) 
What  was  the  efifect  of  the  miracle  upon 
all  who  beheld  it?  At  what  were  they 
astonished  in  the  last  chapter?     (4:32,  36.) 

Did  Jesus  go  away  because  Peter  asked 
Him  to?  Does  He  always  go  away  when 
we  wish  Him  to?  Why  not?  What  is 
Jesus'  answer  to  Peter's  "Depart"?  (Com- 
pare also  "Follow  Me,"  Matt.  4:19-) 
Would  it  have  been  a  good  thing  for  Peter 
if  Jesus  had  departed  when  Peter  asked 
him  to?  Would  it  be  a  good  thing  for  us 
if  Jesus  departed  when  we  ask  Him  to? 

For  what  did  Jesus  take  that  day's  fish- 
ing as  a  symbol?  When  did  Peter  make 
a  bigger  catch  than  that  day?  (Acts  2:41.) 
Where  is  the  similarity  between  winning 
men  and  catching  fish?  What  was  there 
about  Peter  that  gave  promise  of  his  be- 
coming a  successful  fisher  of  men?  (vv.  2,  8, 


5,   11).     How  might   Peter  know   that  he 
would  be  a  successful  fisher  of  men? 

How  did  Peter  and  the  others  show  that 
they  beheved  Jesus'  promise  and  appreci- 
ated His  call?  Was  it  right  for  them  to 
forsake  all?  Did  it  pay?  (18:28-30.)  How 
much  does  it  pay  to  forsake  for  Christ? 
(Phil.  2,'-7,  8.)  Did  they  do  right  in  for- 
saking the  fish  business?  Did  Jesus  call 
Peter  to  forsake  his  business  the  first  time 
He  met  him?  (John  1:40-42.)  Was  the 
forsaking  of  all  the  important  thing  they 
did?  When,  then,  is  it  right  to  forsake  all? 
In  what  sense  must  every  one  who  would 
be  a  disciple  of  Jesus  forsake  all?  (Luke 
14:33,   R.  V.   and  Greek.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus. 

His  deity,  4,  8. 

His  humanity,  3. 

His  knowledge — of  what  is  in  the  sea, 
4;  of  what  is  in  man,    10. 

His  compassion — for  the  ignorant,  3 ;  for 
the  unsuccessful,  4-7;  for  the  sinful, 
for  the  fearful,  10. 

His  sympathy  with  man  in  his  earthly 
occupation,    4. 

As  a  preacher — preached  the  Word  in 
the  open  air,  drew  crowds,  i ;  always 
ready,  thought  more  of  His  audience 
than  of  His  pulpit,  preached  instruc- 
tively, 3. 
2.  The  essential  conditions  of  success  in 
fishing  for  men. 

Faithfulness  in  our  secular  calHng,  2;  a 
sense  of  personal  sinfulness,  a  recog- 
nition of  Christ  as  Lord,  8;  unhesi- 
tating faith,  unquestioning  obedience 
("Nevertheless  at  Thy  word"),  5; 
fearlessness  founded  upon  the  divine 
promise,  10;  forsaking  all,  following 
Him,  II. 


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43 


LESSON  19. 

A  Prophet  Mighty  in  Word  and  Deed  Before  God  and  All  the  People." 
Mark  1:21-35.     (See  also  Matthew  8:14-17;  Luke  4:31-41.) 

Gal.  5:6.)     What  is  all  that  the  faith  of 
devils  does  for  them?     (Jas.  2:19.)     What 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.     Jesus'  poiver  as  a  teacher,  vv.  21,  22. 

What  do  we  find  Jesus  doing  on  the 
Sabbath,  in  the  first  verse  of  this  lesson? 
Did  He  often  do  this?  (Luke  4:16.)  Was 
the  synagogue  worship  very  spiritual  and 
inspiring?  Ought  He  not  then  to  have 
utterly  withdrawn  from  it?  Ought  a  per- 
son to  withdraw  from  a  church  because  it 
is  full  of  formalism,  ignorance  and  error? 
(Acts  13:14;  17:2;  18:4.)  What  was  the 
efifect  of  Christ's  teaching  upon  those  who 
heard?  Did  it  have  a  similar  effect  upon 
other  occasions?  (Matt.  7:28;  13:54;  John 
7:46.)  What  was  it  about  the  teaching 
that  astonished  them?  Just  what  does  that 
mean?  How  great  authority  did  Jesus 
claim  in  His  teaching?  (Matt.  5:21,  22, 
f-  c.,  22,  34.  f-  c. ;  Luke  11:32;  John  Z'-2-) 
If  we  are  to  teach  with  genuine  authority, 
how  must  we  teach?     (i  Peter  4:11,  f.  c.) 

2.     His  power  over  demons,  vv.  23-2/. 

Who  was  there  in  the  synagogue  that 
especially  needed  the  help  of  Jesus?  What 
does  "a  man  with  an  unclean  spirit"  mean? 
What  was  the  efifect  of  the  presence  of 
Jesus  upon  the  unclean  spirit?  Why  did 
he  not  keep  quiet?  What  is  always  the 
efifect  of  the  presence  of  Jesus  upon  the 
devil  or  demons?  Is  it  a  bad  sign  to  have 
the  devil  rage  in  a  community  or  a  church  ? 

What  did  the  demon  cry?  What  is  it  the 
devil  most  wants  of  Christ?  Will  Christ 
let  the  devil  alone?  (i  John  3:8.)  What 
did  the  demon  think  Jesus  had  come  for? 
Was  he  right?  (Heb.  2:14.)  Who  had 
the  most  correct  and  extensive  knowledge 
about  Jesus  of  any  one  in  the  synagogue? 
Did  that  knowledge  save  him?  What  sort 
of  faith  is  it  that  saves?      (Ro.    10 :g,   10; 


was  Jesus'  answer  to  this  orthodox  con- 
fession of  the  demon?  Did  Jesus  ever 
allow  the  demons  to  tell  who  He  was? 
(v.  34;  3:11,  12.)  Why  not?  (vv.  44,  45; 
Matt.  16:20;  Acts  16:17.)  Did  the  demon 
want  to  come  out  of  the  man?  Did  he 
come  out?  Why?  (Luke  11:21,  22.)  Did 
he  come  out  without  a  struggle?  Does 
the  devil  usually  make  a  struggle  before 
giving  up  his  hold  upon  a  man? 

What  was  the  efifect  of  this  miracle  upon 
those  who  saw  it?  What  was  it  that  awak- 
ened their  amazement?  How  had  they  been 
astonished  earlier  in  the  day  (22)  ?  Were 
any  of  them  converted?  Did  anything  be- 
side demons  obey  Him   (4  -.4)  ? 

J.    His  poiver  over  sickness,  vv.  28-34. 

What  was  the  efifect  of  this  miracle? 
Were  the  people  used  to  miracles?  Where 
did  Jesus  go  next?  What  did  He  go 
there  for  (31)?  Did  it  pay  that  family 
to  invite  Jesus  home  to  dinner?  Does  it 
usually  pay?  How  can  we  invite  Jesus 
home  with  us?  (Matt.  25:37,  40.)  What 
afifliction  did  they  find  in  the  house  when 
they  got  there?  What  did  they  do  about 
it?  Did  Jesus  like  that?  Does  Jesus  want 
us  to  bring  our  sorrows  to  Him?  (Matt. 
11:28.)  What  will  be  the  result  if  vfe 
make  all  our  wants  known  imto  Him? 
(Phil.  4:6,  7.)  What  did  Jesus  do?  Is 
Jesus  ready  to  take  the  sick  and  sinning 
by  the  hand  today?  (Heb.  13:8.)  What 
did  Peter's  wife's  mother  do  as  soon  as  she 
was  healed?  What  ought  each  of  us  to  do 
as  soon  as  Jesus  blesses  us? 

What  was  the  next  scene?  What  time 
of  day  was  it?     Why  did  they  wait  until 


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STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


evening?  (3:2.)  How  many  of  the  sick 
did  they  bring?  Was  that  wise?  Why 
did  they  bring  them?  In  what  way  do 
they  set  us  an  example?  How  many  came 
together?  Were  these  people  as  anxious 
for  spiritual  blessings  as  for  healing?  Are 
people  today?  How  many  of  those  who 
came  did  Jesus  heal?  (Luke  4:40.)  Did 
Jesus  heal  just  to  show  that  He  was  the 
Messiah?  (Matt.  8:16,  17.)  Are  we  to 
understand  from  this  verso  that  Jesus  came 
to  save  from  sickness  as  well  as  from  sin? 
Did  those  great  blessings  and  wonderful 
manifestations  of  the  divine  power  of  Jesus 
in  Capernaum  result  in  the  spiritual  re- 
generation of  the  place?     (Matt.  11  •.23,  24.) 

4.    His  power  with  God,  v.  35. 

After  the  multitude  and  the  exhausting 
labors  of  the  day,  what  would  have  seemed 
to  have  been  the  chief  need  of  Jesus?  Did 
He  on  that  account  spend  long  hours  in 
sleep?  Why  not?  Have  we  any  other 
instance  in  which  Jesus  sorely  needed  sleep 
in  which  He  spent  the  time  in  prayer  and 
not  in  sleep?  (Mark  6:31,  34,  46.)  How 
did  He  find  rest  on  another  occasion  of 
weariness?  (John  4:6,  31.)  Where  shall 
we  seek  rest?  (Matt.  11:28,  29.)  Is  there 
much  danger  of  our  putting  time  into 
prayer  that  ought  to  be  put  into  sleep?  Is 
there  much  danger  of  our  putting  time 
into  sleep  that  ought  to  be  put  into  prayer? 
(Luke  22:46.)  What  was  Jesus'  unvarying 
method  of  preparing  Himself  for  the  great 
emergencies  of  His  life?  (Luke  6:12,  13; 
John  6:is;  Luke  22:44,  S3-)  What  an- 
swer is  there  in  verse  35  to  those  who 
think  that  they  do  not  need  long  seasons 
of  prayer?  To  those  who  think  they  can 
do  all  the  necessary  praying  at  their  work 
or  by  the  way?  To  those  who  think  their 
lives  are  too  busy  to  spend  much  time  in 
prayer  ?    For  what  was  the  prayer  of  those 


early  morning  hours  a  preparation?  (vv. 
36-45.)  If  one  is  to  have  power  with 
man  and  power  over  Satan,  with  whom 
must  he  first  have  power?  (Gen.  32:  28; 
Eph.  6:12,  18.)  What  does  the  35th  verse 
teach  as  to  the  most  suitable  time  and 
place  of  prayer? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus. 

His  power — over  men,  21,  22;  over  sick- 
ness, 29-34;  over  demons,  23-28,  34; 
with  God,  35. 

His  compassion — for  the  ignorant,  21,  22; 
for  the  sick,  29-34;  for  the  devil's 
victims,  23-26;  for  the  sorrowing, 
29-31.  If  you  have  any  sickness,  sor- 
row or  sin,  bring  it  to  Jesus  (Matt. 
11:28). 

His  love  for  the  house  of  God.  21. 

His  contempt  for  human  precedent,  22. 

His  separation  from  unholy  alliances, 
24,  25. 

His  attractiveness  for  the  suffering, 
3^,  38. 

As  a  teacher,  21,  22;  healer,  23-34;  helper, 
31 ;  man  of  prayer,  35. 

He  taught  as  a  prophet,  21,  22;  he  inter- 
ceded as  a  priest,  35;  he  commanded 
disease  and  devils  as  a  king,  27,  31. 

2.  The  Devil. 

His  supernatural  power,  unnatural  malig- 
nity, 23-26;  his  supernatural  knowl- 
edge, cringing  cowardice,  abject  fear 
of  Jesus,  24;  his  absolute  subjection 
to  Jesus,  27,  34;  his  great  rage  when 
he  knows  his  time  is  short,  26. 

3.  Man. 

His  wretched  condition,  23-27,  32,  34;  his 
mighty  helper,  26,  31,  34;  his  bounden 
duty  to  use  the  strength  received 
from  Jesus  in  ministering  to  Jesus, 
31- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


45 


4.    Prayer. 

Brings  refreshment  better  than  sleep,  re- 
freshment of  exhausted  spiritual  en- 
ergy, 35  (see  context) ;  prepares  for 
conflict  with  Satan,  35,  40-45. 

The  man  who  would  work  much  for 
God  must  pray  much  to  God,  35. 


If  you  must  rise  early  to  work,  rise  still 

earlier  to  pray,  35. 
5.    Jesus  and  Peter's  wife's  mother. 

She  was  helpless;  they  told  Him  of  her; 

He  took  her  by  the  hand;  He  raised 

her   up;    she   ministered    unto    Him, 

30,  31. 


LESSON  20. 


Our  Lord's  First  Evangelistic 
(See  also  Matthew  4:23;  8:1-4;  Luke 

DISCOVERY     OF     THE     FACTS. 

1.  Preaching  and  casting  out  devils,  vv. 
36-39. 

What  proof  have  we  that  Simon  and 
the  other  disciples  did  not  understand 
Jesus?  (vv.  36,  37;  compare  Luke  4:42). 
Did  the  fact  that  all  men  were  seeking 
Him  prove  any  inducement  to  Jesus  to  go 
back  to  Capernaum?  What  call  proved 
louder  to  Jesus  than  the  call  of  popularity? 
For  what  purpose  did  Jesus  say  that  He 
came?  How  far  did  Jesus  go  on  His 
evangelistic  tour?  What  did  He  do  as  He 
went?  Of  what  institution  did  He  make 
use  as  the  basis  of  His  activity?  Is.  there 
any  lesson  here   for  us? 

2.  Imperfect  faith  seeking  a  blessing, 
V.  40. 

Of  whom  was  the  leper  a  type?  What 
are  the  points  of  similarity  between  lep- 
rosy and  sin?  To  whom  did  this  leper 
come  for  help?  Why  did  he  come  to  Jesus? 
Did  it  take  much  faith  to  come  to  Jesus 
for  the  cure  of  leprosy?  Had  Jesus  cured 
any  lepers  before  this?  Where  did  the 
leper  get  in  order  to  obtain  the  blessing 
sought?  Where  is  the  best  place  in  all  the 
universe  to  get  in  order  to  obtain  blessings? 
When  he  got  at  Jesus'  feet  what  further 
did  the  leper  do  in  order  to  get  the  bless- 
ing he  desired?  When  we  get  at  Jesus' 
feet,  what  is  all  we  need  to  do  to  get  the 


Tour  in  Galilee.     Mark  1:36-45. 
4:42-44;  5:12-16.    Read  Leviticus  12.) 

blessings  we  need?  (Luke  11:9-13;  John 
16:24.) 

What  was  the  leper's  prayer?  In  what 
did  the  leper  have  remarkable  faith? 
Why  was  his  faith  in  the  power  of  Jesus 
remarkable?  What  did  the  leper  doubt? 
Ought  we  to  doubt  the  Saviour's  willing- 
ness to  help  any  more  than  His  power  to 
help?  Are  there  any  persons  nowadays 
who  believe  that  Jesus  is  able  to  help,  but 
who  put  an  "//"  in  regard  to  His  willing- 
ness to  help?  If  there  is  any  "If"  in  re- 
gard to  a  blessing  sought  of  Jesus  Christ, 
where  does  it  belong?  (Mark  9:22,  23.) 
What  was  it  that  very  likely  made  this 
poor  leper  question  the  willingness  of  Jesus 
to  help  him?  What  is  it  today  that  makes 
many  an  unclean  man  and  many  a  foul 
woman  question  the  willingness  of  Jesus 
to  receive  and  save  them?  What  were  the 
characteristics   of  the   leper's   prayer? 

3.  Perfect  love  granting  the  blessing 
sought,  vv.  41,  42. 

Did  Jesus  respond  to  the  leper's  imper- 
fect faith?  Will  Jesus  respond  to  imper- 
fect faith  today?  (Heb.  13:8.)  Does 
Jesus  ever  answer  prayers  when  we  put  in 
"Ifs"?  Ought  we  to  have  as  much  faith  as 
this  leper?  Do  we  have?  What  was  it 
moved  Jesus  to  answer  the  leper's  prayer? 
What  was  the  prime  motive  with  Jesus  in 
heahng  the  sick — was  it  a  desire  to  prove 


46 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


Himself  the  Son  of  God?     (Matt.  14:14-) 

How  did  Jesus  exert  His  healing  power 
upon  this  leper?  What  was  the  ceremonial 
effect  of  that  touch  upon  Jesus  Himself? 
What  was  the  phj'sical  effect  of  that  touch 
upon  the  leper?  Of  what  have  we  a  type 
in  Jesus  making  the  leper  clean  while  He 
made  Himself  unclean?  (2  Cor.  5:21.) 
What  was  the  moral  effect  of  that  touch 
upon  that  leper?  How  long  had  it  been 
since  that  leper  had  felt  the  touch  of  a 
clean  hand?  Would  the  other  teachers  of 
his  day  have  touched  that  leper  if  he 
had  tried  to   draw  near  then? 

What  were  Jesus'  words?  Is  Jesus  as 
ready  today  to  say  "I  will"  when  His  com- 
passion is  appealed  to  for  help?  What  do 
these  words  indicate  as  to  who  Jesus  was? 
(Gen.  1:3;  Ps.  33:9;  Mark  4:39;  v.  41.) 
What  was  the  effect  of  this  word  upon  the 
leper?     How  soon  did  the  leprosy  leave? 

4.  Heedless  gratitude  hindering  the 
work,  vv.  43-45. 

What  charge  did  Jesus  give  the  cleansed 
man?  What  was  its  purpose  (43)?  (7:36; 
Matt.  9:30;  12:16-20;  Mark  3:12.)  What 
was  the  cleansed  man  to  do?  What  was 
the  purpose  of  sending  this  man  to  the 
priests?  Did  the  man  obey  Jesus'  orders? 
What  was  his  object  in  blazing  it  abroad? 
In  so  far  as  there  was  gratitude  in  his 
action,  what  would  have  been  the  truer 
way  of  showing  it?  (John  14:21,  23.)  Did 
the  man  help  the  work  of  Jesus  any?  If 
we  want  to  help  the  work  of  Jesus,  what 
is  the  best  way  to  do  it?  Where  would 
this    man's    testimony    have     counted     for 


most?  Where  is  the  place  to  testify  for 
Jesus?  Where  was  Jesus  obliged  after 
this  to  do  His  work?  Did  He  have  any 
audience  out  there?  What  did  they  come 
for?  (Luke  5:15.)  Who  drew  them?  How 
can  a  crowd  be  drawn  together  soon  in  a 
desert  place? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus. 

His  deity,  30,  41 ;  humanity,  45 ;  dislike 
of  notoriety,  37,  38,  44  (compare 
Matt.  12:16-20);  attracted  the  out- 
cast, 40;  had  compassion  on  the  out- 
cast, drew  near,  took  our  unclean- 
ness  that  we  might  be  made  clean, 
so  clean  Himself  that  His  touch 
banished  the  uncleanness  of  others, 
41 ;  drew  crowds  wherever  He  went, 
37,  45;  the  power  of  His  word,  42; 
the  power  of  His  touch,  41 ;  devils, 
incurable  disease  and  sin  yield  to 
Him,  39,  42. 

^.     The  leper. 

(i)  What  he  was:  unclean,  outcast, 
friendless,  incurable,  getting  worse, 
doomed,  hopeless,  40. 

(2)  What  he  did:  heard  of  Jesus,  be- 
lieved on  Jesus  heartily,  imperfectly, 
came  to  Jesus,  humbled  himself  be- 
fore Jesus,  got  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
cried  to  Jesus,  40. 

(3)  What  he  got:  sympathy,  40;  a 
touch  of  the  Saviour's  hand,  41 ;  im- 
mediate and  perfect  cleansing,  42. 

(4)  How  he  acted:  disobeyed  his  bene- 
factor, hindered  his  benefactor,  hin- 
dered his  own  testimony,  45. 


LESSON  21. 

Our  Lord  Teaching  the  Ignorant,  Forgiving  the   Sinner  and  Healing  the 

Sick.     Mark  2:1-12.     (See  also  Matthew  9:1-8;  Luke  5:17-26.) 

DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS.  laid?     Why  had  He  left  Capernaum?   (i: 

7.    Jesus  teaching  the  ignorant,  vv.  i,  2.      37,   38.)      Did   He  desire  that   His   return 

In  what  city  is  the  scene  of  this  lesson      should   awaken  any  excitement?     Did   it? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


47 


Was  it  ever  possible  for  Jesus  to  gain  any 
long  seclusion  ?  (7 :24.)  Can  it  be  hid  today 
when  Jesus  really  comes  into  a  home  or 
church?  What  was  the  result  of  people's 
knowing  that  Jesus  was  in  the  house?  What 
wril  usually  be  the  result  when  it  is  known 
that  Jesus  is,  of  a  truth,  in  any  place?  (v. 
13;  1:33.  45;  4:1,  12;  Luke  12:1,  f.  c.) 
What  did  these  people  come  to  get?  What 
did  Jesus  give  them  first  of  all?  Why  did 
He  give  them  the  word?  What  do  people 
most  need  today — healing  or  teaching? 
When  we  get  a  crowd  together,  if  we  are 
to  follow  the  Master's  example,  what  ought 
we  to  give  them?  Is  there  any  hint  here 
as  to  the  conduct  of  church  sociables? 
What  did  Jesus  preach?  Did  the  apostles 
follow  His  example  in  this?  (Acts  6:4;  8: 
25;  11:19;  14:25;  2  Tim.  4:2.)  What  is 
the  word?  (i  Sam.  3:1;  i  Thess.  2:13; 
Mark  7:  10-13.)  What  is  the  proper  busi- 
ness of  the  Christian  preacher  to  preach? 
(Jonah  3:2.) 

2.    Jesus  forgiving  the  sinner,  vv.  3-5. 

How  was  Jesus'  preaching  interrupted? 
What  justification  was  there  for  their 
bringing  their  sick  friend  to  Jesus  at  such 
a  time?  How  many  did  it  take  to  get  the 
sick  man  to  Jesus?  Was  it  worth  the 
trouble  of  four  men?  If  three  men  can't 
get  a  man  to  Christ,  what  is  the  best  thing 
to  be  done?  Why  did  they  bring  the  man 
sick  of  the  palsy  to  Jesus?  Did  they  find 
any  difficulty  in  getting  this  man  to  Him? 
Why  didn't  they  turn  around  and  go  home 
and  wait  for  some  more  convenient  season? 
What  is  the  best  way  to  get  people  to  over- 
come all  difficulties  and  press  their  way 
right  to  Jesus  at  once?  What  means  did 
they  take  to  get  their  friend  to  Jesus? 
Would  that  cause  any  disturbance?  Was  it 
right  to  disturb  a  meeting  in  that  way? 
Did  they  get  what  they  wanted?    Why  did 


Jesus  grant  them  what  they  wanted?  What 
kind  of  faith  was  it  they  had?  How  was 
it  seen?  Can  true  faith  usually  be  seen? 
How?  (Jas.  2:18.)  Just  what  was  this 
faith  they  had?  (Luke  7:50;  8:48;  18:41, 
42.)  What  was  the  first  thing  Jesus  said 
to  the  palsied  man?  Why  did  He  forgive 
his  sins  before  healing  his  disease?  If  we 
would  remove  misery  what  must  we  first 
remove?  What  is  the  great  defect  of 
modern  philanthrophy?  Did  he  know  he 
was   forgiven?     How? 

3.    Jesus  silencing  the  gainsayers,  vv.  6-10. 

Who  took  exception  to  Jesus'  word? 
Where  were  these  scribes  from?  (Luke 
5:17.)  What  were  they  there  for?  (v.  16.) 
What  was  the  real  secret  of  the  hostility 
of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  to  Jesus? 
(John  12:19;  Mark  15:10.)  What  was 
their  criticism  on  the  words  of  Jesus?  Did 
they  make  this  charge  against  Jesus  on 
any  other  occasion?  (John  10:33;  Mark 
14:64.)  To  what  extent  were  they  right 
in  their  reasoning?  Jesus  then  must  have 
been  a  blasphemer  or  what?  Where  was 
the  mistake  of  the  scribes?  Where  did 
these  scribes  do  their  reasoning?  Why 
did  they  not  speak  it  right  out?  If  Jesus 
had  the  power  to  forgive  sins,  who  were 
the  blasphemers  in  that  case?  By  what, 
first  of  all,  did  Jesus  show  that  He  really 
had  the  divine  authority  which  they  ac- 
cused Him  of  blaspheming  for  claiming? 
(2  Chron.  6:30,  1.  c. ;  Jer.  17:9,  10;  Ps. 
139:1,  2.)  What  was  the  first  question  He 
put  to  them?  If  they  had  answered  that 
question  honestly,  what  would  they  have 
replied? 

What  was  Jesus'  direct  answer  to  the 
charge  that  He  had  not  authority  to  for- 
give sins?  How  is  healing  the  hopelessly 
sick  a  proof  of  authority  to  forgive  sins? 
Does   Jesus    by    this    utterance   make    the 


48 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


healing  or  non-healing  of  an  individual's 
sickness  a  test  of  the  forgiveness  or  non- 
forgiveness  of  their  sins?  Does  Jesus 
desire  us  merely  to  hope  He  has  power  to 
forgive  sins?  Jesus  had  power  on  earth 
to  forgive  sins,  has  He  it  now  in  His  exal- 
tation? (Acts  5:31.)  If  we  have  sins, 
where  should  we  then  go  with  them?  Why 
was  it  easier  to  say :  "Thy  sins  be  forgiven 
thee"  than  "Arise,  take  up  thy  bed  and 
walk"?  Which  is  easier  for  Jesus  to  do, 
to  forgive  sins  or  to  say:  "Arise,  take  up 
thy  bed   and  walk"? 

4.    Jesus  healing  the  sick,  vv.  11,  12. 

What  was  the  feeling  in  different  hearts 
when  Jesus  spoke  these  words?  (people's? 
scribes'?  friends'  above?  man's?)  How 
was  Christ's  claim  demonstrated?  (How 
does  this  case  of  healing  differ  from  many 
of  the  modern  cures?)  How  then  does 
Jesus'  claim  to  forgive  sins  differ  from 
the  Catholic  priest's?  What  was  the  ef- 
fect upon  the  people?  Were  they  con- 
verted? (Matt.  11:23.)  Were  the  scribes 
convinced?  Why  not?  Are  there  any 
today  who  would  not  be  convinced  if  a 
palsied  man  should  be  raised  right  up  be- 
fore their  eyes?  Why  not?  What  did 
Jesus  say  to  the  man?  Did  Jesus  touch 
him  or  anything  of  that  kind?  Why  did 
He  not  tell  the  four  men  to  carry  the  bed 
home?  What  two  verses  of  Galatians  6 
are  illustrated  by  the  four  bringing  the  pal- 
sied m<in  to  Jesus  and  he  carrying  his  own 
bed  home?    (Gal.  6:2,  5.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

r.  Jesus. 
When  He  is  in  the  house  it  will  soon  be 
known  abroad,  i ;  men  need  Him 
and  will  crowd  together  where  He 
is  known  to  be,  2 ;  the  more  wretch- 
ed and  hopeless   men   are  the   more 


they  are  attracted  to  Him,  3,  4; 
always  accessible  to  those  who  are 
determined  to  get  to  Him,  4,  5  (com- 
pare Jer.  29:13);  hated  by  man,  5, 
6,  7;  the  object  of  false  accusations 
from  honored  men,  7;  rewafds 
faith,  S-12;  silences  opposition,  6-12; 
spoke  the  word,  2;  forgave  sin,  5; 
healed  incurable  diseases,  11,  12  (He 
is  just  the  same  today, 'Heb.  13:8); 
read  men's  hearts,  8;  has  the  power 
to  forgive  sins,  10;  demonstrates 
His  power  to  do  that  which  we  can- 
not see  and  which  demands  divine 
power  for  its  accomplishment,  by 
doing  that  which  we  can  see  and 
which  equally  demands  divine  power 
for  its  accomplishment,  10,  12; 
divine,   7,    10,    12. 

2.     The  four. 

They  heard  of  Jesus,  i ;  believed  on 
Jesus,  5;  brought  their  friend  to 
Jesus,  3;  were  discouraged  by  no 
obstacles,  fertile  in  expedients, 
when  they  could  not  get  their  friend 
to  Jesus  one  way  they  tried  another, 
4;  realized  how  critical  was  their 
friend's  case,  realized  the  importance 
of  improving  present  opportunities 
and  the  danger  of  delay,  did  hard 
work,  were  not  fettered  by  conven- 
tionalities, thought  it  more  impor- 
tant to  get  a  man  to  Jesus  than  to 
have  an  orderly  meeting,  3,  4; 
thought  it  worth  the  time  and  effort 
of  four  men  to  get  one  man  to 
Christ,  3;  succeeded  in  their  pur- 
pose,  5-12. 

S.     The  palsied  man. 

Helpless,  hopeless,  dying,  3;  Jesus  came 
his  way,  i;  brought  to  Jesus,  3; 
believed,  was  forgiven,  knew  he  was 
forgiven,  5;    healed,  11,  12. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS    OF    OUR    LORD 


49 


4.     True  faith  hi  Jesus. 
(i).    What   faith  is. 
The  assurance  that  Jesus  can  and  will 
do    the    thing    sought — forgive     sin, 
heal   disease,   etc.,   5    (compare    Heb. 
II  :i,  R.  V.) 


(2).    What  faith  does. 
Manifests    itself    in    action,    5 ;     brings 
its  needs  to  Jesus,  3;    surmounts  all 
obstacles,  4;    pleases  Jesus,  5. 
(3).     What   faith  gets. 
What   it  seeks,   11,    12;     more   than   it 
seeks,  forgiveness,  5;    healing,  11,  12. 
LESSON  22. 
The  Call  of  Matthew  the  Publican.     Luke  5 :27-39.     (See  also  Matthew  9 : 
9-17;  Mark  2:13-22.) 

thew's  Gospel  show  the  influence  of  his 
training  as  a  publican?  Was  a  pubHcan 
a  man  who  was  likely  to  be  imposed  upon? 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     Calling  a  publican,  vv.  27,  28. 

To  what  place  did  Jesus  go?  (Mark 
2:13.)  For  what  purpose?  (Mark  2:2,  13; 
John  1 :43.)  Why  did  Jesus  seek  Levi  out? 
When  Jesus  came  where  Levi  was,  what 
did  He  do?  What  is  the  exact  force  of 
the  word  "beheld"?  (See  R.  V.)  Why 
was  Jesus  so  interested  in  him?  What 
was  a  publican?  How  were  they  commonly 
regarded  by  the  Jews?  (Matt.  5:46;  9:10; 
11:19;  18:17;  21:31;  Luke  18:11.)  Would 
a  self-respecting  Jew  take  the  office  of 
publican?  Of  what  must  a  Jew  have  an  in- 
ordinate love  before  he  would  consent  to 
take  this  office?  To  what  did  the  necessities 
of  the  business  usually  drive  them?  (Luke 
3:13;  19:8.)  What  was  the  actual  charac- 
ter of  publicans?  What  was  the  pubHcan 
doing  as  Jesus  passed  by?  Why  wasn't  he 
with  the  throng  that  followed  Jesus  and 
hung  upon  His  words?  What  was  the 
result  of  Jesus'  study  of  Levi?  For  what 
position  did  Jesus  wish  Levi?  What  was 
there  about  Levi  that  fitted  him  for  the 
apostolate?  (i  Cor.  1:27-29;  Luke  7:42, 
43;  2  Cor.  1:4).  What  other  name  had 
Levi?  (Matt.  9:9.)  For  what  was  Levi 
to  become  best  known  in  the  Christian 
church?  In  what  way  had  Levi's  business 
fitted  him  to  be  the  writer  of  one  of  the 
Gospels?      What    characteristics    of    Mat- 


Does  that  fact  give  any  additional  weight 
to  Matthew's  testimony  to  the  miracles  and 
resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ? 

What  was  the  invitation  that  Jesus  ex- 
tended to  Levi?  What  did  that  invitation 
mean?  (Luke  9:59,  60.)  What  would  the 
acceptance  of  the  invitation  involve?  (Matt 
16:24;  Luke  9:57,  58;  18:22.)  Of  what 
is  following  Christ  the  indispensable  condi- 
tion? (Matt.  16:24;  10:38;  4:19;  John 
12:26.)  What  will  be  the  result  of  follow- 
ing Jesus?  (John  8:12;  12:26;  Matt. 
19:28.)  In  what  sense  are  we  today  called 
to  follow  Jesus?  (i  Pet.  2:20,  21.)  What 
is  our  one  calling  no  matter  what  others 
do?  (John  21:22.)  How  did  Levi  receive 
the  Saviour's  invitation?  Did  it  cost  Levi 
anything  to  do  that?  What  was  it  so 
quickly  transformed  the  keen  money-getting 
publican  that  hadn't  time  to  leave  his  busi- 
ness and  follow  the  crowd  that  hung  on 
Jesus'  lips,  to  the  devoted  disciple  that 
forsook  all  and  followed  Him?  Are  men 
who  are  sharp  and  successful  in  business 
matters  usually  easy  to  win  for  Christ? 
Have  we  any  other  instance  of  the  same 
kind  in  this  Gospel ?  (19:1-10.)  What  was 
it  touched  the  heart  of  both  Levi  and 
Zaccheus?     Did    Levi    wait    to    straighten 


50 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


up  his  business  and  get  out  of  it  what  he 
had  put  in  it  before  he  obeyed  Christ's  sum- 
mons? When  Jesus  calls  us  to  do  a  thing 
what  is  the  thing  to  do?  How  long  did 
Levi  think  upon  Christ's  invitation  before 
he  accepted  it?  How  long  ought  we  to 
think  upon  Christ's  invitations  before  we 
accept  them?  Must  we  forsake  everything 
we  have  in  order  to  follow  Christ?  (Luke 
18:22;  5:11;  9:59-62;  Matt.  10:37;  2  Tim. 
2:4;  Luke  14:33.  R-  V.)  Did  Levi  get  as 
much  as  he  gave  up  by  forsaking  all  and 
following  Jesus?     (Matt.    19:27.  28;   Phil. 

3:7.8.) 

2.    Eating  with  sinners,  v.  29. 

How  did  Levi  show  his  appreciation  of 
his  new-found  Master?  What  was  Levi's 
purpose  in  making  that  feast?  Whom  did 
he  invite?  (Matt.  9:10.)  Why  did  he 
invite  them  ?  Would  it  be  the  proper  thing 
today  for  one  whom  Jesus  had  found  to 
invite  his  old  sinful  companions  to  come 
together  to  meet  his  Saviour?  What  about 
the  means  that  Levi  took  to  get  them  to- 
gether? Did  Levi  get  many  of  his  old 
friends  to  come?  Did  Jesus  like  to  asso- 
ciate with  that  sort  of  a  crowd?  Why? 
(Luke  19:10.)  Ought  a  follower  of  Jesus 
today  to  associate  with  that  sort  of  peo- 
ple? How  can  we  reconcile  this  with  2 
Cor.  6:17  and  i  Cor.  5:11?  What  was 
Jesus'  purpose  in  eating  with  these  publi- 
cans and  sinners?  What  definite  purpose 
with  regard  to  the  ungodly  must  we  have 
in  our  hearts  if  we  are  to  associate  with 
them  safely?  If  we  associate,  with  them 
without  this  definite  purpose  in  our  hearts 
what  will  be  the  result?  Into  what  chan- 
nel did  Jesus  direct  the  conversation  at 
Levi's  feast?  When  we  associate  with  the 
unsaved,  into  what  channel  ought  we  to 
endeavor  to  direct  the  conversation?  Is  it 
always  wise  to  begin  on  that  subject  at 
once?     (John  4:7-) 


3.    Answering  critics,  vv.  30-38. 

Did  Jesus'  action  in  this  matter  meet 
with  universal  approval?  Were  they  re- 
spectable parties  who  criticized  Him?  What 
was  their  position?  Can  we  expect  that 
we  will  always  meet  with  the  approval  of 
all  respectable  people  and  reHgious  leaders 
if  we  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  Jesus? 
Did  the  Pharisees  utter  their  criticism 
aloud?  Did  they  aim  it  directly  at  Jesus? 
Do  men  nowadays  try  to  injure  Christ  by 
murmuring  against  His  disciples?  What 
was  the  ground  of  criticism  on  the  part 
of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees?  Was  this 
criticism  upon  Jesus'  action  made  on  other 
occasions?  (7:34,  39;  I5:i.  2;  19:7) 
According  to  Pharisaic  ideas  how  was 
the  goodness  to  manifest  itself?  Ac- 
cording to  Christ's  idea  how  will  real 
goodness  manifest  itself?  (vv.  31,  2i^; 
Luke  19:10;  Matt.  20:26-28.)  Which  con- 
ception of  goodness  is  more  popular,  the 
Christian  or  the  Pharisaic?  What  was 
Jesus'  answer  to  the  question  and  the  carp- 
ing criticism  of  the  Pharisee?  According 
to  this  answer,  in  what  light  did  He  regard 
Himself? 

Where  is  it  a  physician's  business  to  go? 
Is  there  any  answer  here  to  those  who 
say:  "I  am  too  sinful  to  come  to  Christ," 
or :  "I  want  to  get  better  before  I  come  to 
Christ"?  What  does  Christ's  answer  imply 
as  to  those  with  whom  He  most  delighted 
to  associate?  (Luke  15:4-)  Whom  did 
Jesus  not  come  to  call?  Why  not?  Are 
there  any  such  on  earth?  (Ro.  3:10;  i 
John  1 :8,  10.)  Whom  did  Jesus  come  to 
call?  Whom  does  that  mean?  (Ro.  3:23.) 
What  further  criticism  was  made  on 
Jesus'  conduct,  and  that  of  His  disciples 
(v.  33)  ?  What  was  Jesus'  answer  to  this 
criticism?  What  was  the  point  of  Jesus' 
answer?  When  is  the  time  for  Christ's 
disciples  to  fast?    Is  the  Bridegroom  away 


STUDIES   IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


51 


from  us  now?  What  does  Jesus  call  Him- 
self? Against  what  does  Jesus  warn  them 
in  verses  36-39?  What  is  the  new  wine? 
What  are  the  old  wine  skins?  Are  there 
any  today  who  are  trying  to  combine  law 
and  Gospel? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus. 

Seeks  most  the  society  of  those  who  need 
Him  most,  reads  men's  thoughts,  30, 
31 ;  silences  men's  criticism,  31,  32, 
33-38;  has  no  use  for  righteous  men, 
32. 

2.    Jesus  and  sinners. 

Jesus  seeks  sinners  out:  came  to  earth 
to  find  sinners,  32;  sought  them  out 
diligently  while  here,  27;  associated 
with  sinners,  29;  gazed  into  the 
hearts  of  sinners,  27;  called  sinners 


to  repentance,  32;  to  fellowship,  27; 
to    following,    27;    transformed    sin- 
ners into  apostles,  27. 
3.    Levi. 
(i).    What  he  was. 
A  publican,   despised,   degraded,   loved 
money  more  than   honor,  too  much 
immersed  in  money-getting  to  go  to 
hear  the  great   Prophet  of  his  peo- 
ple, 27. 
(2).    What  happened  to  him. 
Sought    out    by    Jesus,    scrutinized    by 
Jesus,  called  by  Jesus,  27. 
(3).    What  he  did. 

Listened  to  the  call  immediately,  made 
no  excuses,  forsook  everything  for 
Jesus,  followed  Jesus,  28;  made  a 
feast  for  Jesus,  brought  others  like 
himself  to  Jesus,  29. 


LESSON  23. 

The  Healing  of  a  Man  Who  Had  Been  Thirty  and  Eight  Years  in  His 

Infirmity.     John  5;1-16. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.    In  need  of  the  Great  Physician,  w. 

1-5- 

What  sort  of  an  occasion  was  it  that 
took  our  Lord  up  to  Jerusalem?  Was 
there  much  joy  in  it  for  those  whom  the 
opening  of  the  chapter  pictures  to  us?  Is 
there  much  real  joy  in  any  feast  without 
Christ  in  it?  What  brought  joy  into  these 
feasts  for  at  least  one  miserable  man?  Why 
did  our  Lord  go  up  to  the  feast?  (Ex. 
34:23).  Was  there  any  other  reason  for 
His  going  up  besides  the  requirements  of 
Jewish  law?     (Compare  John  4:4,  7,  etc.) 

What  place  in  the  Holy  City  especially 
attracted  the  suffering?  What  does  "Beth- 
esda"  mean?  Who  had  provided  this 
"house  of  mercy"  and  fountain  of  health 
for  the  suffering?  How  was  this  fountain 
of  health  to  be  set  aside?  In  whom  can 
we  today   find   the   true    Bethesda   for  all 


the  woes  and  miseries  of  man?  (Matt. 
II  :28.)  What  sort  of  a  company  was  found 
gathered  around  this  pool  that  divine  grace 
had  provided?  Of  what  may  we  see  a 
picture  in  this  "multitude  of  them  that 
were  sick,  blind,  halt,  withered"?  Where 
did  men  soon  find  was  the  best  place  to 
bring   these  afflicted  ones?    (Matt.   15:30.) 

Which  seems  to  have  been  the  most  mis- 
erable, helpless  and  hopeless  case  there? 
Was  it  his  first  day  there  (v.  7)  ?  What 
facts  made  his  case  seemingly  beyond  all 
hope?  Why  was  it  not  beyond  hope? 
(Gen.  18:14;  Jer.  32:17.) 

2.  Made  whole  by  the  Great  Physician, 
vv.  6-g. 

Who  saw  this  man  in  his  wretched  and 
hopeless  condition?  What  was  His  feel- 
ing as  He  looked  upon  this  unhappy  man? 
(Matt.  14:14-)  What  is  always  His  feeling 
as  He  looks  upon  the  sufferings  and  mis- 


52 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


fortunes  of  men?  (Heb.  13:8;  4:i5>  16; 
Is.  63:9.)  What  was  it  about  the  man 
that  especially  awakened  His  sympathy? 
Is  the  fact  that  a  man  has  been  a  long  time 
in  his  present  evil  case  any  reason  for  sup- 
posing He  will  not  take  an  interest  in 
him,  save,  help,  or  heal  him?  (Mark  9:21 ; 
Luke  8:43,  13,  16;  Acts  3:2;  4:22;  9:33; 
14:8.)  Why  did  He  select  this  man  from 
all  the  sad  cases  at  the  pool  as  the  one 
He  would  heal?  What  kind  of  cases  does 
He  delight  in?  What  question  did  He  put 
to  the  man?  What  did  that  question  imply? 
Could  this  man  make  himself  whole,  or  must 
he  be  made  whole?  Can  the  unsaved  man 
make  himself  whole?  (Eph.  2:1,  8.)  In 
order  to  wish  to  be  made  whole  what  must 
this  man  first  recognize?  In  order  to  wish 
to  be  saved  what  must  the  sinner  first 
recognize?  Did  this  man  wish  to  be  made 
whole?  Had  that  anything  to  do  with 
his  being  made  whole?  Why  is  it  that 
there  are  so  many  whom  our  Lord  does 
not  make  whole?  (Matt.  23:37-)  What 
was  the  only  way  of  being  made  whole  of 
which  the  man  had  any  thought?  What 
did  our  Lord  do?  What  was  the  effect  of 
His  word?  Who  was  He  in  whose  word 
there  was  so  much  power?  (Ps.  107:20.) 
Is  there  power  in  the  word  of  Christ  to 
save  today?  (Ro.  1:16.)  What  is  all 
we  have  to  do?  (John  5:24-)  How  soon 
was  the  man  made  whole  ?  (Mark  i  :3i,  42.) 
How  did  the  man  show  that  he  was  made 
whole?  When  our  Lord  makes  us  whole 
how  will  we  show  it? 

5.  Confessing  the  Great  Physician,  vv. 
10-16. 

How  did  the  man  use  his  Christ-given 
strength?  Did  he  find  any  opposition  in 
doing  as  our  Lord  bade  him?  Will  we 
find  any  opposition  if  we  do  as  He  bids 
us?  (2  Tim.  3:12.)  What  was  the  objec- 
tion   that    was    raised?      What    was    his 


answer?  Is  it  a  sufficient  answer  to  any 
objection  that  any  one  may  raise  to  our 
course  of  action,  that  "our  Lord  bids  us 
do  so"?  (Matt.  23:10;  John  2:5;  15:14.) 
How  should  strength  that  He  has  given  be 
used?  Did  the  man  tell  them  yet  who 
had  made  him  whole?  Why  not?  As 
soon  as  he  found  out  what  did  he  do? 
As  soon  as  we  know  who  it  is  that  has 
blessed  us,  what  ought  we  to  do?  (Ro. 
10:10;  Matt.  10:32,  33.)  Did  it  take  any 
courage  to  confess  Jesus  to  these  men? 
Why  did  he  do  it?  (Matt.  12:34,  last 
half.)  What  difference  is  there  in  the 
phrase  by  which  the  Jews  described  Jesus 
(v.  12),  and  that  by  which  the  healed  man 
described  Him  (v.  15)?  What  did  the 
Jews  see  in  Jesus?  What  did  the  man 
see  in  Him? 

Where  did  our  Lord  find  the  man  after 
He  had  healed  him?  Where  ought  He 
to  find  us  often  after  He  has  blessed  us? 
Why  did  the  man  go  to  the  temple?  (Ps. 
66:13-15;  116:12-19.)  Why  did  our  Lord 
look  this  man  up  in  the  temple?  What  was 
His  counsel  to  him?  What  was  evidently 
the  cause  of  this  man's  previous  suffering? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus. 

(i).  What  He  was:  divine,  8,  9;  human, 
6;  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  11;  es- 
pecially drawn  toward  the  most  des- 
perate cases,  6;  hated  of  men,  16. 

(2).  What  He  had:  compassion  upon 
all  men's  sorrows,  6;  authority  over 
all  man's  traditions,  absolute  right 
to  command  all  man's  actions,  11; 
power  by  His  word  to  banish  all 
man's  diseases,  8,  9. 

(3).  What  He  did:  observed  the  law 
of  Moses,  sought  the  places  where 
the  multitudes  gathered,  i ;  sought 
the  haunts  of  misery,  looked  upon, 
pitied  the  wretched,  friendless,  hope- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


53 


less  and  sinning,  6;  transformed  suf- 
fering and  despair  into  joy  and  hope, 
7,  9;  removed  the  awful  consequences 
of  sin,  9,  14;  healed  the  hopelessly 
sick,  5-9;  followed  up,  instructed 
those  whom  He  had  healed,  14. 
2.     The   man. 

t'l).  His  condition:  incurably  sick, 
many  years  in  that  condition,  5; 
friendless,  helpless,  hopeless,  7;  a 
sinner,  14;  the  most  unpromising  and 
miserable  man  in  the  crowd,  3-6. 

(2).    What  happened  to  him:    Jesus  saw 


him,  had  compassion  on  him,  spoke 
to  him,  made  him  whole,  6,  8,  9. 
(3).  What  he  did:  wished  to  be  made 
whole,  6,  7;  listened  to  Jesus,  be- 
lieved, acted  upon  what  Jesus  said, 
6-9;  showed  the  reality  of  his  salva- 
tion by  his  walk,  used  the  strength 
received  from  Christ  in  obeying 
Christ,  9;  obeyed  Christ  in  the  face 
of  bitter  opposition,  10,  ii;  went  to 
the  house  of  God  to  return  thanks, 
14;  confessed  Christ  before  His 
enemies,  15. 


LESSON  24. 
Jesus,  the  Son  of  Man  and  Son  of  God.     John  5:19-47. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  The  Son  of  God  despised  and  re- 
jected of  men,  vv.  JJ,  i^- 

What  was  our  Lord's  answer  to  the 
charge  of  violating  the  law  of  the  sab- 
bath? What  fact  lay  at  the  foundation  of 
the  obligation  and  law  to  keep  the  seventh 
day  as  a  day  of  rest?  (Ex.  20:11.)  From 
what  work  did  God  rest  upon  the  seventh 
day?  (Gen.  2:3.)  From  what  work  is 
God  not  resting,  but  working  "even  until 
now"  (R.  V.)  ?  What  work  then  can  and 
must  a  child  of  God  engage  in  on  the 
Sabbath  day?  What  sort  of  work  was 
it  our  Lord  had  just  been  doing  and  for 
which  He  was  accused  of  violating  the 
sabbath  law?     Was  His  answer  suflficient? 

In  this  argument  how  does  our  Lord  say 
He  must  act?  How  does  every  true  child 
of  God  feel  that  he  must  act?  (Eph.  S'-i-) 
What  did  He  call  God  (R.  V.)  ?  Did  He 
call  God  "His  own  Father"  only  in  the 
sense  that  every  regenerate  man  has  a 
right  to  call  God  his  Father  (v.  23)? 
(Compare  Mark  12:6;  John  8:54;  10:30; 
14:9.)  What  did  the  Jews  say  that  Jesus 
did  by  calling  "God  His  own  Father"? 
Were  the  Jews   right  about  that    (w.  23, 


21,  26,  19)?  (Phil.  2:6;  Heb.  1:6;  i  John 
2:23.)  Were  the  Jews  willing  to  accept 
Him  as  equal  with  God?  What  then  was 
their  only  alternative?  If  our  Lord  was 
not  divine  as  He  claimed  to  be,  what  was 
the  right  thing  according  to  the  Jewish 
law  to  do  with  Him?  What  then  is  the 
one  who  denies  His  deity  justifying,  and 
with  whom  does  he  take  his  stand? 

2.  The  Son  of  man  honored  by  the 
Father  as  equal  with  Himself,  vv.  19-29- 

In  what  position  in  relation  to  the 
Father  do  we  see  the  Son  in  the  first  half 
of  verse  19?  (Compare  John  14:28.)  How 
did  the  Son  come  to  occupy  this  position 
of  subordination  and  dependence?  (Phil. 
2:6,  8,  R.  V.  margin.)  Even  in  this  posi- 
tion of  subordination  and  dependence,  how 
much  of  what  the  Father  does  does  the 
Son  also?  (Compare  v.  22  with  Ps.  i,  6; 
John  2:19  with  Acts  2:24;  the  first  and 
last  halves  of  verse  21;  Ex.  4:11  with 
Luke  21:15;  Jer.  17:10  with  Rev.  2:1,  23.) 

What  greater  work  than  raising  a  man 
does  Jesus  say  He  can  and  will  do  (v.  21)  ? 
Did  not  Elijah  and  Elisha  and  Peter  also 
quicken  the  dead?  What  is  it  in  each 
of  the  cases  of  resurrection  connected  with 


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STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


these  men  shows  that  it  was  not  them- 
selves that  raised  the  dead?  Whom  does 
the  Son  quicken?  Upon  what  then  does 
the  resurrection  of  the  dead  depend?  What 
is  He  upon  whose  sovereign  will  depends 
the  question  of  death  and  resurrection? 
(2  Kings  5  7-) 

What  else  besides  the  matter  of  raising 
the  dead  has  the  Father  committed  to  the 
Son?  Whose  prerogative  alone  is  it  to 
judge  man?  (Ps.  9  7,  8;  96:  13;  2  Tim. 
4  :i ;  Ro.  2  ;i6.)  Why  has  the  Father  "com- 
mitted all  judgment  unto  the  Son"?  What 
does  "even  as"  mean?  (Heb.  1:6.)  Sup- 
pose one  refuses  to  honor  the  Son?  (i 
John  2:23,  R.  V.)  Does  this  leave  any 
standing  ground  for  the  Unitarian?  What 
is  the  result  of  hearing  the  word  of  the 
Son?  Didn't  every  one  who  heard  our 
Lord  speak  hear  His  word?  (John  8:47; 
Mark  8:18.)  What  kind  of  a  hearing  is 
a  real  hearing?  (Note  the  change  in  R.  V. 
from  "believeth  on  Him"  to  "believeth 
Him.")  What  testimony  of  the  Father 
is  it  that  one  must  believe  to  have  eternal 
life?  (See  vv.  23,  37;  i  John  5:10,  R.  V. 
and  5:1;  John  20:31.) 

The  moment  one  hears  our  Lord's  word 
and  believes  God's  testimony,  into  what 
does  he  enter?  What  does  he  leave  behind 
him  forever?  (10:28,  30.)  What  has  the 
one  who  has  heard  our  Lord's  word  and 
believed  God's  testimony  a  right  to  say 
he  knows?  How  does  he  know  it?  What 
were  they  who  thus  hear  the  voice  of  the 
Son  of  God  and  thus  get  eternal  life  before 
they  heard  (v.  25)?  What  "dead"  are 
meant  in  v.  25?  (Eph.  2:1,  5;  Luke  9:60; 
15:24,  32.)  How  are  the  "dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins"  to  be  made  to  live?  Why 
is  it  that  life  comes  through  the  word  of 
the  Son  (v.  26)  ?  Do  we  ever  have  life 
in  ourselves?  (i  John  S'-H-)  What  fur- 
ther than  "to  have  Hfe  in  Himself"  has  the 


Father  given  to  the  Son  (v.  27)  ?  Why  has 
He  given  Him  this  authority?  (Dan.  7:13, 
14;  Phil.  2:7-11;  Heb.  2:14,  17,  18.)  What 
further  resurrection  than  the  spiritual  one 
that  "now  is"  (v.  25)  shall  come  through 
His  voice  (vv.  28,  29)  ?  How  many  will 
hear  His  voice  then  and  obey?  How  many 
shall  have  part  in  that  resurrection?  Will 
all  ris.e  at  the  same  time?  (i  Cor.  15:22, 
24;  Rev.  20:4,  5,  7,  II,  12.)  What  will  be 
the  principal  difference  between  the  two 
resurrections?  (Dan.  12:2.)  What  is  to 
decide  whether  one  is  to  have  part  in 
"the  resurrection  of  life"  or  "the  resurrec- 
tion of  judgment"?  What  will  decide 
whether  one  does  evil  or  good?  (Gal. 
5:6;  John  6:28,  29.) 

3.  The  Son  witnessed  to  by  Moses,  John 
the  Baptist,  His  works  and  the  Father, 
vv.  30-36. 

What  is  the  attitude  of  the  will  of  the 
Son  toward  the  will  of  the  Father?  (John 
4:24;  6:38.)  Is  it  the  Son  alone  who 
bears  witness  to  Himself?  Who  else  bears 
witness  to  Him?  (vv.  46,  S2,  36,  27-) 
What  was  Moses'  testimony  about  Him? 
(Deut.  18:18,  19;  Gen.  18:1,  2,  16,  17,  33; 
19:1;  Mai.  3:1.)  What  was  John  the 
Baptist's  testimony  about  Him?  (John 
1:34;  3:27-36.)  What  was  the  testimony 
of  His  own  works?  (3:2;  10:32,  37,  38; 
14:10,  11;  15:24.)  What  was  the  testi- 
mony of  His  Father?  (Matt.  3:17;  17:5.) 
4.  The  Son  of  God  rejected  by  those 
who  do  not  love  God,  vv.  37-47- 

What  was  the  highest  source  from  which 
our  Lord  received  testimony?  In  what 
ways  has  the  Father  borne  witness  to  the 
Son?  Why  did  not  His  hearers  receive 
the  testimony  of  the  Father?  How  did 
that  prove  that  they  had  not  the  Father's 
word  abiding  in  them?  Where  were  they 
searching  for  light  (v.  39  R.  V.)  ?  Might 
they  have  found  the  light  in  the  Scriptures? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


55 


Why  did  they  not  find  it?  What  did  they 
think  was  to  be  found  in  the  Scriptures? 
Were  they  right  in  thinking  so?  Why 
then  did  they  not  find  eternal  Hfe  when 
they  searched  the  Scriptures?  To  whom 
did  the  Scriptures  point  them?  What 
ought  they  to  have  done?  If  any  man 
fails  of  life,  whose  fault  is  it?  Why  does 
any  man  fail  to  obtain  eternal  life  (v.  40)  ? 
From  whom  alone  did  our  Lord  seek 
glory?  What  was  the  one  great  reason 
that  the  Jews  did  not  receive  Him  (v.  42)  ? 
In  whose  name  did  He  come?  Who  is 
the  other  coming  in  his  own  name,  whom 
the  Jews  will  receive,  of  whom  our  Lord 
speaks  in  v.  43?  What  kept  the  Jews 
from  believing  in  our  Lord  (v.  44)  ?  Who 
will  condemn  the  Jews  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment? If  one  really  believes  Moses,  whom 
else  will  he  believe?  Of  whom  did  Moses 
write?  In  what  books  did  Moses  write 
concerning  our  Lord?  Who  does  our 
Lord  say  wrote  the  Pentateuch?  Was 
He  mistaken?  What  does  He  say  is  in- 
volved in  the  rejection  of  Moses'  writings? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  The  Father. 

His  sabbath  rest  broken  by  man's  sin, 
cannot  rest  while  sin  is  in  the  world, 
worketh  even  until  now,  rests  from 
His  work  of  creation  but  not  from 
His  work  of  redemption,  17  (Gen. 
2:3);  raiseth  the  dead,  21;  loves  the 
Son,  shows  the  Son  all  that  He  Him- 
self doeth,  20;  witnesses  to  the  Son, 
34,  37',  commits  all  judgment  to  the 
Son,  22;  gives  the  Son  to  have  life 
in  Himself,  26;  places  the  Son  on 
an  equality  with  Himself,  cannot  be 
honored   apart   from   the   Son,  23. 

2.  Jesus. 

(i).  The  Son  of  I\Ian :  takes  the  Son's 
place   subordinate   to    and    dependent 


upon  the  Father,  19,  30;  does  what- 
ever the  Father  does,  19;  works  the 
work  of  redemption  on  His  sabbath, 
the  Father  does  on  His,  17;  entirely 
devoted  to  the  will  of  His  Father,  20. 

(2).  The  Son  of  God:  divine  conscious- 
ness— "called  God  His  own  Father," 
17,  18;  divine  honor — the  same  with 
the  Father,  23;  divine  attributes — 
self-existence,  26;  divine  functions — 
(a)  all  judgment,  22  (Ps.  9:7,  8; 
1:3-6;  96:13);  (b)  sovereignty  over 
life  and  death — raises  whom  He 
will,  21 ;  (c)  gives  eternal  life  to 
all  who  hear  His  word  and  believe 
the  Father,  24;  (d)  raiseth  all  by 
His  voice,  28,  29. 

(3).  The  power  of  His  voice:  already 
raises  the  spiritually  dead  to  spiritual 
life,  25;  will  some  day  raise  all  the 
dead  from  their  graves,  28,  29;  all 
who  will  now  hear  and  obey  His 
voice  get  eternal  life,  24;  all  must 
some  day  hear  and  obey  His  voice, 
but  to  the  wicked  it  will  be  a  resur- 
rection of  judgment,   28,   29. 

(4).  His  treatment:  hated  by  the  Jews, 
18;  loved  by  the  Father,  20;  wit- 
nessed to  by  the  Scriptures,  39, 
Moses,  46,  John  the  Baptist,  ^3,  His 
works,  36,  the  Father,  27;  comes  in 
the  Father's  name,  43 ;  receives  not 
glory  from  men,  41. 
3-     Life. 

The  gift  of  the  Son,  21 ;  to  be  had  only 
in  the  Son,  26;  by  coming  to  the 
Son,  40;  by  simply  hearing  and  be- 
lieving, at  once,  24;  all  get  endless 
existence  through  Christ,  29;  only 
those  who  now  believe  get  eternal 
life,  24,  28,  29;  eternal  life  in  its 
completion  includes  the  resurrection 
of  the  body  as  well  as  the  quickening 
of  the  spirit,  25,  28,  29. 


56 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  25. 

Our  Lord  Teaching  Regarding  the  Sabbath.     Mark  2:23  to  3:6. 

(See  also  Matthew  12:1-14;  Luke  6:1-11.) 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  The  Sabbath  made  for  man— there- 
fore sabbath  prescriptions  are  subordinate 
to   man's  need  and  welfare,  2:23-28. 

Where  do  we  see  our  Lord  as  the  lesson 
opens?  What  day  of  the  week  was  it? 
On  what  two  points  had  the  Pharisees 
and  their  sympathizers  already  attacked 
Him  and  His  disciples?  (vv.  16,  18.)  On 
what  third  point  do  they  now  undertake 
to  attack  Him? 

In  what  condition  were  His  disciples? 
(Matt.  12:1.)  In  what  condition  presum- 
ably was  our  Lord  Himself?  What  hint 
have  we  here  as  to  His  method  of  life? 
What  means  did  the  disciples  take  to  sat- 
isfy their  hunger?  Had  they  a  right  to 
take  the  grain  of  others  in  this  way? 
(Deut.  23:25.)  Who  observed  them  as 
they  did  it?  How  did  they  happen  to 
see  them?  Which  were  really  most  justi- 
fiable in  their  action,  the  disciples  or  the 
Pharisees?  Where  was  their  authority  for 
their  assertion  that  the  action  was  "not 
lawful"?  (Deut.  5:14;  Ex.  31:15.")  To 
what  incident  in  Jewish  history  could  they 
refer  as  confirming  their  interpretations  of 
the  law?  (Ex.  16:22,  26.)  Were  the  cases 
in  reality  parallel?  Was  the  criticism  of 
the  Pharisees  founded  upon  a  complete 
or  partial  knowledge  of  the  teachings  of 
God's  Word?  What  lesson  for  us?  Does 
being  very  near  the  Master  lift  one  above 
the  possibility  of  being  the  object  of  such 
unjust  criticism?  How  should  we  act  un- 
der such  criticisms?  How  did  our  Lord 
point  out  to  these  critical  Pharisees  that 
their  assumed  knowledge  of  God's  word 
and  will  was  in  reality  only  ignorance  of 
God's  word  and  will?  What  is  the  best 
correction  for  unwarranted   and   one-sided 


iferences  from  God's  Word?  Ought  we 
to  take  single  passages? 

What  are  the  five  arguments  by  which 
Christ  defends  His  disciples  against  the 
unjust  criticisms  of  the  Pharisees?  (v. 
25;  Matt.  12:5;  12:7;  vv.  27,  28).  What 
is  the  first  argument?  What  is  the  point 
of  it?  What  is  the  principle  regarding 
the  relation  of  ceremonial  observances  to 
the  demands  of  man's  welfare  that  under- 
lies this  argument?  What  provision  of 
the  ceremonial  law  did  David  violate? 
(Lev.  24:5-9;  22:10.)  Why  was  David 
justified  in  eating?  How  was  Abimelech 
justified  in  giving  David  this  bread?  (Matt. 
12:7.)  Which  are  most  sacred  in  God's 
sight,  the  ceremonies  He  has  commanded 
for  man's  welfare,  or  man's  welfare  itself? 
Is  it  right  according  to  this  to  endanger 
life  or  health  for  a  ceremony  even  though 
it  is  of  divine  appointment?  Is  it  right 
to  imperil  life  or  health  for  a  principle? 
Which  were  most  sacred  to  the  Pharisees, 
ceremonies  or  men?  Have  we  any  Phari- 
sees today?  Upon  what  day  in  the  week 
did  this  incident  in  David's  life  occur? 
(i  Sam.  21:6;  compare  Lev.  24:8.) 

What  was  our  Lord's  argument  in  de- 
fense of  His  disciples  in  verse  27?  What 
is  meant  by  the  sabbath  being  made  for 
man?  If  made  for  man  what  is  the  right 
use  of  it?  What  was  God's  purpose  in 
giving  man  the  sabbath  ?  (  Ex.  23  :  12  ;  Deut. 
5:14;  Neh.  9:13,  14.)  If  it  was  made  for 
man  is  it  for  the  Jew  alone?  How  many 
men  need  one  today?  Is  the  obligation 
then  binding  on  men  today?  If  it  was 
made  for  man  who  is  the  Lord  of  the 
sabbath?  To  whom  shall  we  go  to  find 
out  its   true  use? 

Did  Christ's  action  and  that  of  His  dis- 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


57 


ciples  run  counter  to  the  Alosaic  law,  or 
only  to  the  Pharisees'  interpretation  of  it? 
Is  the  Christian  under  the  Mosaic  sabbath 
law?  (Ro.  14:5;  Col.  2:16;  2  Cor.  2:7,  11.) 
For  whom  alone  is  the  law  done  away? 
(Gal.  5:18;  Ro.  7:4.)  If  the  Christian  is 
not  under  the  Mosaic  sabbath  law,  what 
obligation  is  there  upon  him  to  keep  a 
sabbath  (v.  27)  ?  What  day  of  the  week 
will  the  one  who  is  not  of  the  old  creation, 
but  the  new  creation,  naturally  keep? 

2.  "Lawful  to  do  good  (works  of 
mercy)    on   the  sabbath   days,"  3:1-6. 

What  place  was  the  scene  of  the  next 
recorded  contest  between  our  Lord  and 
the  Pharisees?  Was  it  the  same  sabbath? 
(Luke  6:6.)  What  was  the  occasion  of 
the  controversy?  Had  the  Pharisees  any 
compassion  for  this  poor  man's  misfortune? 
What  was  all  they  saw  in  his  affliction? 
With  what  were  their  hearts  filled?  Are 
there  any  like  them  today?  Did  these 
Pharisees  wish  our  Lord  to  heal  the  poor 
fellow?  Was  it  out  of  compassion  for 
the  man's  suffering  that  they  wished  Him 
to  heal  him?  Has  the  man  who  wants 
another  to  break  a  law  in  order  that  he 
may  have  somewhat  to  accuse  him  of,  any 
real  love  for  the  law?  What  question 
did  they  put  to  our  Lord?  (Matt.  12:10.) 
What  was  the  answer  that  the  rabbis  gave 
to  that  question?  What  answer  did  our 
Lord  give  to  the  question?  (Matt.  12:11, 
12.)  What  did  He  show  them  by  that 
answer?  What  was  the  great  trouble  with 
the  Pharisees?  (Matt.  23:23.)  What  is 
the  general  principle  that  He  announces  as 
to  what  it  is  lawful  to  do  on  the  sabbath 
day?  (Matt.  12:12,  R.  V.)  What  kind 
of  a  doing  would  a  refusal  to  heal  the 
man  have  been  ?  If  we  are  not  doing  good 
on  the  sabbath,  what  are  we  doing? 

When  our  Lord  told  the  man  to  stand 
forth   what   feelings  did   it  awaken  in  the 


hearts  of  the  Pharisees?  Did  they  believe 
He  could  heal  him?  Before  performing 
the  expected  miracle  what  did  He  do? 
What  kind  of  a  look  was  it?  What  did 
they  do  under  the  power  of  that  look? 
Was  there  any  personal  resentment  in  His 
anger?  What  aroused  it?  How  in  the 
manner  of  performing  the  miracle  did  He 
baffle  the  malicious  plots  of  the  Pharisees? 
By  what  was  the  healing  work  wrought? 
Who  manifestly  was  Jesus?     (Ps.  33:8,  9.) 

What  did  He  bid  the  man  do?  Had  the 
man  faith?  How  did  he  show  it?  Had 
he  the  power  to  do  as  he  was  told? 
Where  did  he  get  it?  What  was  the  re- 
sult? Can  our  Lord  do  such  things  today? 
Why  does  He  not  more  frequently?  Can 
He   heal  anything  besides  withered  hands? 

What  was  the  effect  of  the  miracle  upon 
the  Pharisees?  Were  the  Pharisees  and 
Herodians  naturally  friendly  to  one  an- 
other? What  bound  them  together  at  this 
time — loyalty  to  the  law  or  hatred  of  our 
Lord?  Did  He  perform  any  other  miracles 
on  the  sabbath?  (Mark  1:21,  29;  Luke 
13:14;  14:1;  John  5:9;  9:14.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord. 

Divine,  3:5;  2:28;  human,  2:23,  28;  3:5*, 
poor,  hungry,  2:23;  an  object  of 
the  hostile  criticism  of  professedly 
pious  men,  suspected,  watched, 
hunted,  3:2;  hated.  His  life  plotted 
against,  3:6;  His  thorough  and  un- 
failing knowledge  of  the  Word,  His 
compassion  on  the  hungry,  2:23,  25; 
His  readiness  to  defend  the  unjustly 
accused,  2:25-28;  His  compassion  on 
the  afflicted — no  fear  of  offense  to 
hypocrites  or  of  peril  to  His  own 
life  prevented  Him  from  relieving 
human  distress,  His  anger  at  the 
hardness  of  heart  that  overlooks  the 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


appeal  of  suffering  in  its  zeal  for 
ceremonies  and  that  clothes  pitiless- 
ness  with  the  cloak  of  piety,  3:2-6; 
His  penetrating  gaze,  His  authority 
— the  Lord  of  the  sabbath.  His  power 
to  baffle  His  enemies,  to  heal  by  a 
word,  to  impart  to  the  man  who 
believes  power  to  do  the  impossible, 
3:5- 
2.     The  Pharisees. 

Familiar  with  some  of  the  teachings  of 
the  Word,  2:24;  ignorant  of  the 
teachings  of  the  Word  as  a  whole, 
2 :25 ;  ready  to  criticize  others'  sup- 
posed violations  of  the  teachings  of 
the  Word,  2:24;  blind  to  their  own 
real  and  grievous  violations  of  the 
teachings  of  the  Word,  3:4  (Matt. 
12  7)  ;  without  pity,  full  of  murderous 
and  implacable  hatred,  on  the  watch 
for  violations  of  the  law,  without  real 
love  for  the  law  for  which  they  pro- 
fessed such  intense  loyalty,  presumptu- 
ous in  recognizing  the  divine  power  of 
our  Lord  but  yet  unhesitatingly 
questioning  the  moral  character  of 
His  acts,  sought  to  entrap  Christ, 
dogged  His  footsteps,  3  :2 ;  baffled  by 
His  wisdom  and  power,  3:5;  joined 
hands    with   their    sworn   enemies   to 


compass  the  death  of  their  common 
foe — Jesus,  3  :6. 

S.     The   sabbath. 

Made  for  man — God's  gracious  provision 
for  man's  need,  of  universal  neces- 
sity and  so  of  universal  validity,  its 
true  use  that  which  best  promotes 
man's  welfare,  2  -.27 ;  the  Son  of  Man 
the  supreme  legislator  as  to  its  right 
use,  2 :28 ;  its  true  use  will  regard 
(a)  man's  distress,  2:23,  (b)  man's 
suffering,  3:4;  works  of  necessity 
permissible,  2 123-25 ;  work  of  mercy 
obligatory,  3  4,  5 ;  ceremonial  pre- 
scriptions which  God  has  made  to 
promote  man's  welfare  must  give 
way  before  the  demands  of  that  wel- 
fare which  they  were  made  to  pro- 
mote, 2:23-27;  the  demands  of  di- 
vinely begotten  compassion  superior 
to  the  demands  of  divinely  ordained 
ceremonies,  2:23-26;   3:4. 

4.  The  man  with  the  withered  hand. 
Helpless,  3:1  (Luke  6:6);  no  pity  from 
man,  the  tool  of  man's  malice,  3:2; 
our  Lord  had  compassion  upon  him, 
spoke  to  him,  commanded  him  to 
do  the  impossible,  :i:2„  5 ;  believed 
that  what  our  Lord  commanded  him 
to  do  He  would  give  him  the  power 
to  perform,  obeyed,  was  healed,  3 :5. 


LESSON  26. 

The  Appointment  of  the  Twelve  Apostles.     Mark  3:7-19. 
(See  also  Matthew  12:15-21;  10:2-4;  Luke  6:12-19.) 


mSC0\'ERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.     "Thou  art  the  Son  of  God,"  vv.  7-12. 

In  the  verses  that  immediately  precede 
this  lesson,  what  had  our  Lord  done?  How 
would  we  naturally  expect  that  this  miracle 
would  affect  those  who  saw  it?  What 
was  the  effect  upon  some  (v.  6)  ?  To  what 
did    this   miracle   give   rise    (v.   6)  ?     Was 


this  the  only  conspiracy  that  was  ever 
formed  against  our  Lord  (John  11:53; 
Luke  6:11)?  Who  are  parties  to  this  con- 
spiracy? To  what  extent  did  they  purpose 
to  go   in  their  intense  hatred    (v.   6)  ? 

What  did  our  Lord  do  (v.  7)  ?  Why 
did  He  not  stay  and  face  His  enemies 
in    their    plots?      (Matt.    12:15.)      Was    it 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


69 


not  cowardly  on  His  part?  Did  the  time 
ever  come  when  He  did  face  His  enemies 
and  let  them  do  their  worst?  Did  He 
escape  the  muhitude  by  going  to  the  sea? 
What  two  muhitudes  were  there  at  the 
sea?  Were  these  people  attracted  by  His 
wonderful  teaching?  Which  attracts  the 
average  man  most  today,  the  wonderful 
teaching  of  our  Lord  or  His  wonderful 
deeds?  What  kind  of  things  had  He  done? 
Does  He  do  great  things  today?  What  are 
the  greatest  things  that  He  does?  How 
far  did  these  multitudes  go?  How  did  they 
know  of  the  great  things  which  He  did? 
From  whom  did  they  hear?  Of  what  then 
have  we  an  illustration  here?  If  we  wish 
to  get  men  to  come  to  our  Lord,  what 
should  we  do?  Was  He  pleased  with  the 
notoriety  He  was  getting?  (Matt.  12:16- 
21.)  Was  this  crowd  in  earnest?  How  did 
they  show  their  earnestness  (v.  10,  R.  V. 
margin)  ?  Who  was  it  pressed  upon  Him? 
Who  is  always  most  eager  to  get  to  Him? 
Are  men  usually  as  concerned  about  their 
spiritual  plagues  as  they  are  about  their 
physical  plagues?  Why  not?  How  many 
of  those  who  had  plagues  pressed  upon 
Him?  What  led  them  to  press  upon  Him? 
How  can  we  touch  Him?  What  did  the 
greatness  and  eagerness  of  the  throng  neces- 
sitate His  doing   (v.  9)  ? 

Who  else  besides  the  crowd  recognized 
Christ's  power  (v.  11)?  What  did  these 
unclean  spirits  do?  Why  did  they  do  that? 
What  drew  them  to  Him?  Who  did  they 
say  that  He  was?  Were  they  right?  How 
did  they  know  it?  Did  their  knowledge 
do  them  any  good?  Why  not?  Of  what 
is  their  falling  down  a  sort  of  anticipation? 
(Phil.  2:10.)  What  did  our  Lord  say  to 
these  unclean  spirits?  Why  did  He  say 
that?  (Acts  16:17,  18.)  Did  He  charge 
any  besides  the  unclean  spirits  not  to  make 
Him  known?  Why?  (Matt.  12:15-20.) 
Did    Christ   regard   the   great   crowd    as   a 


help  or  hindrance  to  His  work?  Are 
popularity  and  crowds  ever  a  hindrance? 

2.  The  appointment  of  the  Twelve,  vv. 
13-19- 

In  the  13th  verse  what  do  we  see  our 
Lord  doing?  What  mountain  was  it?  Why 
did  He  go  to  the  mountain?  (Luke  6:12.) 
Why  did  He  wish  to  get  away  from  the 
crowd?  When  on  the  mountain,  what  did 
He  do?  Were  there  only  twelve  that  He 
called  unto  Him  in  the  mountain?  Whom 
did  He  call?  Who  were  those  whom  He 
willed  to  call?  How  did  those  whom  Fie 
called  show  their  fitness  for  the  call  (v. 
13)?  Was  this  wise  on  their  part?  What 
is  the  wisest  thing  that  any  man  can  do 
when  our  Lord  calls?  Was  this  a  call  to 
salvation  or  to  service?  Was  there  any 
inner  circle  among  those  He  called?  Of 
how  many  was  the  inner  circle  composed? 
Why  twelve?  Was  there  any  inner  circle 
in  the  Twelve? 

What  did  He  do  with  these  twelve? 
What  does  "ordain"  mean  (R.  V.)?  To 
what  did  He  appoint  them  first  of  all? 
Why  were  they  "to  be  with  Him"?  Must 
one  "be  with  Him"  before  he  can  be  wisely 
sent  forth  to  preach?  (Acts  4:13.)  How 
can  we  be  with  Him  today?  (i  John  1:3.) 
Were  these  apostles  whom  He  sent  forth 
uneducated  men?  Did  our  Lord  wish  them 
with  Him  for  His  own  sake?  (Luke  22:28, 
29;  Matt.  26:40;  John  14:3;  17:24.)  Why 
did  He  choose  the  Twelve  at  just  this 
time?  What  did  He  send  them  forth  to 
do  (R.  V.)?  (Matt.  10:5-15.)  Who  was 
to  be  first  called?  Why?  By  whom  were 
these  men  sent?  By  whom  must  any  true 
preacher  be  sent?  By  whom  are  many 
preachers  sent  forth?  What  preparation 
had  our  Lord  made  for  the  selection  and 
sending  forth  of  the  Twelve?  (Luke  6:12, 
13.)  How  many  lists  of  the  apostles  have 
we?  Do  they  agree?  Is  the  order  the 
same?      Why    are    there    changes    in    the 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


order?  What  new  name  did  our  Lord 
give  Simon?  How  did  Simon  become 
Peter?      (Matt.  16:16-18.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS: 

I.     Our  Lord. 

His  deity,   10,  11,  15; 

His  power:  over  disease,  10;  over  un- 
clean spirits,  II;  to  give  power  to 
others,  to  heal  sickness  and  to  cast 
out  devils,  15. 

His  compassion :  on  the  multitudes,  7,  8, 
20;  on  the  sick,  10;  on  the  demon- 
possessed,    II;    on    the   ignorant,    14; 

A   Man  of  prayer.   13    (Luke  6:12). 

What  He  did:  drew  crowds,  7,  8;  great 
things,  8;  healed,  10;  cast  out  demons, 
11;  ordained  others  to  be  with  Him 
and  carry  on  His  work,  14-18;  read 


the   hearts   of  men,   16,   17;   avoided 
notoriety,   12,   13. 
How    He    was    treated:    misunderstood, 
even   by  His   friends,   slandered,   re- 
garded as  insane,  21. 

2.  Workers  in  God's  harvest. 
Qualifications :  must  be  chosen  by  Christ 

Himself,  13;  must  be  ordained  by 
Him,  must  be  with  Him  before  they 
can  tell  others  about  Him,  14;  must 
have  power  for  their  work  from  Him. 
15. 
Their  work:  preach,  14;  heal  sicknesses, 
cast  out  devils,  15. 

3.  The  multitude. 

Their  crying  need,  8,  9  (Matt.  9:36); 
awakened  Christ's  compassion,  10,  14, 
IS;  all  their  needs  met  by  Christ, 
eager  for  the  help  of  Christ,  8-10. 


LESSON  27. 

The  Sermon  on  the  Mount.     Matthew  5:1-16. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

/.  True  blessedness,  and  how  to  find 
it,  vv.  1-12. 

Where  did  our  Lord  speak  these  words? 

Who  are  the  first  class  whom  our  Lord 
pronounces  happy?  What  does  "poor  in 
spirit"  mean?  (Ps.  34:18;  51:17;  Prov. 
29:23;  Is.  57:15;  56:2;  James  4:9,  10.) 
What  is  the  blessedness  that  belongs  to 
them?  Are  they  the  only  ones  who  enter 
the  kingdom  of  heaven?  (Luke  18:14; 
Matt.  18:3;  Luke  i  :53-)  What  will  make 
a  man  poor  in  spirit?  Why  did  our  Lord 
put  this  beatitude  first?  What  position 
in  life  is  most  favorable  to  poverty  in 
spirit?     (i    Cor.    1:26-28.) 

Who  are  the  second  class  who  may  ex- 
pect blessedness?  Does  the  world  usually 
regard  it  as  very  blessed  to  mourn?  Why 
are  they  that  mourn  blessed?  Who  will 
comfort  them?      (2   Cor.    1:3,  4.)      Which 


is  better,  never  to  have  sorrowed  or  to 
have  sorrowed  and  been  "comforted  of 
God"?  Why  are  God's  people  bound  to 
be  mourners  on  this  earth?  (i  John  5:19; 
Phil.  3:20;  Ro.  8:23;  Matt.  21:5;  i  Peter 
3:4,  5;  James  1:21;  3:13-) 

Who  are  the  third  class  pronounced 
happy?  What  does  "meek"  mean?  (i 
Cor.  4:21;  2  Cor.  10:1;  Gal.  6:1;  2  Tim. 
2:24,  25;  Titus  3:2.)  What  is  the  blessed- 
ness awaiting  them?  Does  the  gentle, 
yielding  spirit  that  puts  self  and  worldly 
ambition  out  of  sight  seem  to  be  that 
which  will  gain  the  earth?  Who  really 
enjoy  the  earth  even  now,  those  who  try 
to  "get  the  earth"  or  those  who  put  self 
out  of  sight?  Where  is  this  promise  to 
the  meek  found  elsewhere  in  the  Bible? 
(Ps.  37:11;  compare  Is.  57:i3-) 

What  form  of  intense  desire  is  sure  of 
abundant    gratification    (v.    6)  ?      What    is 


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61 


it  to  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness? 
Why  is  it  so  many  men  are  not  filled 
with   righteousness? 

Who  are  the  fifth  class  whom  our  Lord 
pronounces  happy?  In  what  way  does  the 
exercise  of  mercy  toward  others  bring 
abundant  reward?  What  will  be  the  result 
if  we  are  not  merciful  toward  our  fellow- 
men?     (Matt.  18:23-25.) 

Who  constitute  the  sixth  class  pro- 
nounced happy?  What  is  meant  by  being 
"pure  in  heart"?  What  is  the  one  condi- 
tion of  the  unutterable  blessedness  of  see- 
ing God?  Why?  When  and  where  shall 
the  pure  in  heart  see  God?  (John  14:19, 
21,  23;  I  Cor.  13:12;  Heb.  12:14.) 

Who  are  the  seventh  class  pronounced 
happy?  Does  a  peacemaker  mean  merely 
one  who  reconciles  differences  between  man 
and  man?  (John  14:27;  Matt.  10:13;  Luke 
10:5,  6.)  What  is  the  peculiar  blessed- 
ness that  awaits  the  peacemakers?  Why 
is  it  that  they  are  called  "the  children  of 
God"?  (Ro.  15:33;  16:20;  Phil.  4:9;  Heb. 
13:20.  See  too  how  often  the  expression 
"peace  from  God"  is  found  in  the  New 
Testament.     Col.   i  :20.) 

Upon  whom  is  a  twofold  blessedness 
pronounced  ?  What  do  vv.  10-12  presuppose 
as  to  the  way  the  truth  of  the  kingdom  will 
be  received  by  men?  Who  will  suffer  per- 
secution for  righteousness'  sake?  (2  Tim. 
3:12.)  Will  any  enter  the  kingdom  who 
are  not  persecuted?  (Acts  14:22.)  Do 
men  usually  count  themselves  happy  when 
they  are  "persecuted  for  righteousness' 
sake"?  Ought  they  to?  (James  1:2;  Ro. 
8:17,  18.)  Between  what  is  our  choice, 
as  regards  persecution  for  Christ?  (i  Tim. 
2:12.)  What  are  we  to  do  when  we  are 
reviled,  persecuted  and  all  manner  of  evil 
is  said  against  us  falsely  for  His  name's 
sake?  Why  rejoice?  Is  "a  great  reward 
in  heaven"  worth  suffering  all  things  on 
earth  to  get?     (Ro.  8:18.)     What  examples 


have  we  in  the  Bible  of  men  rejoicing  in 
persecutions  for  Christ's  sake?  (Acts  5  :4i ; 
16:25;  2  Cor.  12:10.)  To  what  glorious 
company  may  we  account  ourselves  as 
belonging  when   we   suffer  thus? 

2.  The  responsibilities  of  the  kingdom, 
vv.  13-16. 

What  is  the  relation  of  the  earth  to 
those  who  know  the  blessedness  of  the 
kingdom?  In  what  way  are  they  like 
salt?  If  salt  is  to  preserve  anything  from 
corruption  or  to  impart  to  it  flavor,  where 
must  it  be  put?  Is  there  any  lesson  in 
that  for  us?  What  is  the  salt  good  for 
when  it  has  lost  its  savor?  What  is  the 
church  or  individual  believer  good  for 
when  the  spirit  of  sacrifice  is  gone?  What 
is  the  relation  of  those  who  know  the 
blessedness  of  the  kingdom  to  the  world? 
What  is  the  condition  of  the  world  if  their 
light  goes  out?  Why  are  they  the  light 
of  the  world?  (John  8:12;  Eph.  5:8;  Ro. 
8:9;  John  14:20.)  Is  it  truth  in  the  ab- 
stract that  is  the  light  of  the  world  ?  What 
are  we  all  doing  with  the  light  that  the 
indwelling  Christ  imparts?  Where  are  we 
to   let   it   shine? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus. 

His  love  for  the  multitude,  i ;  compassion 
on  the  multitude,  2;  fearlessness  as 
a  teacher,  3-16. 

2.  Members   of   Christ's   Kingdom. 
(i).     Their  characteristics : 

Poor  in  spirit,  3;  mourn,  4;  meek,  5; 
hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness, 
6;    merciful,    7;    pure    in    heart,    8; 
peacemakers,  9. 
(2).     Their  blessedness: 

Theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  3, 
10;  comforted,  4;  inherit  the  earth, 
S;  fully  satisfied,  6;  obtain  mercy,  7; 
see  God,  8;  called  the  sons  of  God, 


62 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


9;  great  reward  in  heaven,  12;  com- 
panions of  the  prophets,  12. 

(3).     What  they  receive  from  the  world: 
Reproach,    persecution,    all    manner    of 
slander,  11. 

(4).     What  they  receive  from  God: 
A   kingdom,   3,   10;   the  earth,   5;    full 


satisfaction,  6;  mercy,  7;  a  vision  of 
Himself,  8;  a  place  as  His  sons,  9; 
an  exceeding  great  reward  in  the 
world  to  come,  12. 
(S).  Their  office  in  the  world: 
To  season  and  save  the  earth,  13 ; 
to  illumine  the  world,  14;  to  glorify 
the   Father,   16. 


LESSON  28. 


The  Sermon  on  the  Mount — 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.  Our  Lord's  relation  to  the  law  of 
Moses,  vv.  17-20. 

What  was  our  Lord's  relation  to  the 
law?  In  what  way  did  He  fulfill  the  law? 
(John  8:46;  Matt.  5:21,  22,  27,  28;  Col. 
2:17;  Heb.  10:1;  Eph.  2:15;  Ro.  8:3.) 
How  much  of  the  law  had  absolute  and 
divine  authority  in  His  sight  (v.  18)  ?  How 
does  that  bear  upon  the  doctrine  of  verbal 
inspiration?  How  should  the  righteousness 
of  the  kingdom  compare  with  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees?  About 
what  were  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  par- 
ticular? (23:23,  25,  28.)  About  what  is 
God  particular?  (Luke  16:15.)  What 
kind  of  righteousness  is  necessary  to  gain 
admission  to  the  kingdom? 

2.  What  the  law  of  Moses  required,  and 
what  the  law  of  the  kingdom  requires, 
regarding  our  treatment  of  our  neighbor, 
w.  21-26. 

By  the  old  law  regarding  murder  what 
was  forbidden?  By  the  higher  law  of 
the  kingdom  for  which  Christ  legislates 
what  was  forbidden?  What  is  meant  by 
"the  hell  of  fire"  (v.  22,  R.  V.)?  What 
must  always  precede  acceptable  service  to 
God  (vv.  23,  24)  ?  What  is  meant  by 
our  brother  having  "aught  against"  us — 
does  it  refer  to  his  having  a  grudge  against 
us   or  to  his    having   a  just   claim   against 


(Continued).     Matthew   5:17-48. 

us  (vv.  25,  26)  ?  Has  the  fact  that  others 
have  just  claims  against  us,  which  we  have 
not  settled,  anything  to  do  with  God's 
not  answering  our  prayers?  How  long 
should  one  allow  the  just  claim  against 
himself  to  remain  unsatisfied?  Can  we 
avoid  settling  just  claims  sooner  or  later 
(v.  26)? 

J.  What  the  law  of  Moses  required,  and 
what  the  law  of  the  kingdom  requires, 
regarding  personal  purity,  vv.  27-32. 

What  was  forbidden  by  the  old  law 
regarding  sexual  relations?  What  is  for- 
bidden by  the  higher  law  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven?  Where  does  adultery  begin 
(v.  28)  ?  Has  the  man  to  whom  the  devil 
suggests  an  evil  thought  regarding  a  wc«nan 
committed  adultery  with  her?  What  word 
in  v.  28  brings  out  the  exact  point  at 
which  sin  begins?  How  does  the  law  of 
the  kingdom  regard  adultery  even  in  this 
incipient  form  (v.  29)  ?  What  would  we 
better  do  with  our  eyes  than  to  have 
them  looking  upon  a  woman  to  lust  after 
her?  Why?  Where  will  a  lustful  eye 
land  a  man  (v.  29)  ?  What  had  any  one 
better    lose    than    to    go    to    hell? 

What  was  the  old  law  regarding  divorce? 
What  is  the  law  of  the  kingdom  regarding 
divorce?  In  what  case  alone  has  a  man 
a  right  to  divorce  his  wife?  If  he  divorces 
her    for    any    other    cause,    what    does    he 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


63 


make  her?     Of  what  sin  is  the  man   who 
marries   a   divorced   woman   guilty? 

4.  What  the  law  of  Moses  required,  and 
what  the  law  of  the  kingdom  requires, 
regarding   oaths,  vv.  23-37. 

What  was  the  old  law  regarding  oaths? 
What  is  the  law  of  the  kingdom  regard- 
ing oaths?  What  is  the  fulfillment  or 
higher  application  of  that  law  in  the 
kingdom    (v.   Z7)  ? 

5.  What  the  law  of  Moses  required,  and 
what  the  law  of  the  kingdom  requires, 
regarding   retaliation,  vv.  38-42. 

What  was  the  law  of  Moses  regarding 
retaliation  for  personal  injuries?  What 
is  the  law  of  the  kingdom  regarding  the 
same?  Are  we  to  understand  this  literally, 
that  we  are  never  to  strike  back?  If 
one  acted  up  to  this  law,  would  he  not 
soon  be  deprived  of  all  his  rights?  (Ro. 
12:19.)  Where  do  we  find  the  best  exem- 
plification of  this  law?  (Luke  22:64; 
23:34.)  What  made  it  easy  for  our  Lord 
to  live  up  to  this  law?  (i  Peter  2:23.) 
How  can  we  live  up  to  it?  (Phil.  4:13.) 
Are  we  to  understand  literally  that  a  mem- 
ber of  the  kingdom  should  never  go  to 
law?  What  thought  will  enable  us  to 
take  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  our  goods? 
(Heb.  10:24.)  What  should  we  do  to 
every  one  that  asks  of  us?  What  shall 
we  give  to  those  who  ask  of  us?  (Acts 
3:3-6;    2    Thess.    3:10.) 

6.  What  the  law  of  Moses  required,  and 
what  the  law  of  the  kingdom  requires, 
regarding  love,  vv.  43-48. 

What  did  the  law  of  Moses  require  re- 
garding love?  How  is  this  law  of  love 
broadened  out  in  the  ethics  of  the  king- 
dom? According  to  the  latter,  who  should 
be  the  special  objects  of  our  love?  How 
should  we  show  our  love  for  them?  As 
soon  as  any  one  persecutes  us,  what  should 
we  do?  What  does  such  love  show  us 
to  be?    What  does  the  absence  of  it  show 


us  to  be?  In  whom  have  we  the  most 
wonderful  exemplification  of  this  law? 
(Luke  23:34;  Ro.  5:6,  8,  ro.)  Whose 
character  and  action  is  the  standard  of 
perfection  for  the  child  of  God?  How 
alone  can  we  attain  unto  this  standard 
of  perfection?  (John  3  :3,  5 ;  i  John  4:7, 
R.  v.;   Eph.  4:13-16.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 

His  superiority  to  Moses,  the  supreme 
Lawgiver,  21,  22,  27,  28,  38,  39;  His 
relation  to  the  law — came  not  to 
destroy  but  to  fulfill,  17. 

2.  The  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Conditions  of  entrance  :  Heart  righteous- 
ness, not  mere  outward  conformity 
to  moral  precepts,  20;  no  hate  in 
the  heart  as  well  as  no  murder  in 
the  life,  21,  22;  no  lust  in  the  heart 
as  well  as  no  impurity  in  the  life, 
27-32;  truth  in  the  heart  as  well 
as  veracity  in  the  oath,  Z2>-Z7',  Jove 
to  enemies  as  well  as  reciprocity 
toward  friends,  38-48. 

3.  Love. 

The  supreme  characteristic  of  the  king- 
dom, 44;  the  one  divine  thing,  45; 
its  object — our  enemies,  44. 

How  manifested:  by  not  killing,  21; 
by  not  being  angry,  22;  by  not  call- 
ing harsh  names,  22 ;  by  making  resti- 
tution, 23;  by  not  committing  adul- 
tery, 27;  by  not  contemplating  adul- 
tery, 28;  by  not  divorcing  a  wife, 
31;  by  not  using  oaths,  34;  by  not 
avenging  injuries,  38-40;  by  giving 
to  him  that  asks  of  us,  by  loaning 
to  him  that  would  borrow  of  us,  42; 
by  praying  for  our  enemies,  44. 

4.  Hell. 

There  is  a  hell,  22,  29,  30;  a  "hell  of 
fire,"  22;  anything  is  better  than 
going  to  hell,  29. 


64 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  29. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount— (Continued).     Matthew  6:   1-18. 


DISCOVERY     OF    THE    FACTS. 

1.  How  to  give  alms,  vv.  1-4. 

What  should  be  our  manner  of  giving 
alms?  Does  this  forbid  all  gifts  in  public? 
(i  Cor.  16:1,  2.)  Did  our  Lord  ever  com- 
mend a  gift  made  in  public?  (Luke  21:1- 
4.)  Just  vifhat  is  forbidden?  Who  knows 
of  the  gift  of  which  no  man  knows?  Is 
that  enough?  Why  does  our  Father  know 
it  (v.  4)  ?  How  much  of  what  is  done 
in  secret  does  He  see?  (Heb.  4:i3-)  What 
will  be  the  result  if  our  alms  are  given  to 
be  seen  of  men?  What  will  be  the  result 
of  alms  not  given  to  be  seen  of  men? 
When  will  God  reward  us?  (Matt.  25:31, 
32,  37-40;  Acts  10:1-4.)  What  will  the 
reward  be?  (Acts  20:35;  Mark  10:21.) 
How  large  will  the  reward  be?  (2  Cor. 
9:6.)  Is  the  reward  that  God  gives  for 
well-doing  a  legitimate  motive  for  well- 
doing? (Heb.  11:6,  26.)  Is  it  the  supreme 
motive  for  the  Christian?  (2  Cor.  5:14; 
I  Cor.  10:31.)  When  we  do  our  alms 
before  men  so  as  to  attract  their  attention 
do  we  get  any  reward?  When?  What? 
Is  that  reward  of  much  value? 

2.  Hoiv  to  pray,  vv.  5-15. 

How  did  our  Lord  teach  His  disciples 
that  they  should  pray?  Whose  example 
should  they  avoid?  What  is  the  primary 
meaning  of  "hypocrite"  according  to  its 
etymology?  Are  there  many  professed 
Christians  today  who  are  only  "playing 
a  part"?  Where  does  the  hypocrite  love 
to  pray?  Why  there?  Did  our  Lord 
mean  by  these  words  to  condemn  all  public 
prayer?  (John  6:11.)  What  did  He  mean 
to  condemn?  Is  there  any  of  that  nowa- 
days? What  did  He  say  was  the  result  of 
this  parade  of  piety?  What  is  "the  reward" 
they  have?     Is  that  worth  much? 

To   what   place   did   Jesus  tell   His   dis- 


ciples to  go  and  pray  (v.  6,  R.  V.)  ?  What 
are  the  advantages  of  secret  prayer?  Are 
there  ever  times  when  publicity  in  prayer 
is  a  duty?  (Dan.  6:10.)  To  whom  did 
our  Lord  tell  us  to  pray  in  secret?  Is 
there  ever  any  prayer  that  is  not  to  the 
Father?  What  thought  of  God  lies  at 
the  foundation  of  all  true  prayer?  (7:11.) 
What  will  be  the  result  of  this  secret 
prayer  to  the  Father?  How  will  He 
reward?  (Matt.  7:7;  i  John  5:14;  Eph. 
3:20.)  When  we  are  in  the  secret  place 
where  no  man  sees  us,  who  may  we  be 
sure  does  see  us? 

Against  what  second  mistake  in  prayer 
did  our  Lord  warn  His  disciples  (vv.  7,  8)  ? 
What  is  meant  by  "vain  repetitions"?  Are 
there  any  guilty  of  this  today?  Of  whom 
did  our  Lord  speak  as  making  this  mis- 
take? What  illustration  have  we  of  it 
in  the  Bible?  (i  Kings  18:26.)  What 
was  the  object  of  the  Gentiles  in  these 
vain  repetitions?  Do  people  nowadays 
ever  act  as  if  they  expected  "to  be  heard  for 
their  much  speaking"?  Have  we  any  illus- 
tration in  the  Bible  of  short  prayers  that 
were  answered?  (Luke  18:13;  Matt.  14:30, 
etc.)  Does  our  Lord  condemn  much 
praying?  (Luke  18:1-8;  11:5-8;  21:36; 
Matt.  14:23-25.)  Does  He  condemn  all 
using  of  the  same  words  again  and  again? 
(Matt.  26:44.)  Just  what  did  He  con- 
demn? What  reason  does  He  give  why 
there  is  no  value  in  mere  repetition?  If 
our  Father  knows  what  "we  have  need 
of"  why  does  He  not  give  it  without  our 
asking? 

Following  upon  His  warning  against  vam 
repetition,  what  does  our  Lord  give  His 
disciples?  Is  this  properly  called  "The 
Lord's  Prayer"?  Where  is  the  prayer  to 
be  found  that  may  properly  be  called  "The 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


65 


Lord's  Prayer"?  (John  17.)  Who  alone 
has  the  right  to  offer  the  prayer  given 
here?  Who  are  the  children  of  God? 
(John  1:12;  Gal.  3:26;  Ro.  8:14.)  What 
are  the  rest  of  men?  (i  John  5:19;  3:10; 
John  8:44;  Eph.  2:3.)  Is  this  intended 
as  the  exact  form  of  prayer  which  the 
disciples  of  Jesus  are  literally  to  adopt? 
Is  this  a  proper  prayer  for  the  Christian 
to  offer?  Is  it  the  only  prayer  he  should 
offer?      (Jas.  5:14;   Phil.  4:6.) 

How  is  God  addressed?  By  teaching 
His  disciples  to  call  God  Father  did  Jesus 
mean  to  teach  the  universal  Fatherhood 
of  God?  Whose  Father  is  He?  (Gal. 
3:26.)  What  is  meant  by  calling  Him 
"Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven"?  (Ps. 
115:3;  Is.  66:1;  John  16:28;  Acts  1:9; 
Mark  i:ii;  John   12:28.) 

Whose  interests  does  this  model  prayer 
put  first?  Whose  interest  should  be  first 
in  all  true  prayer?  What  should  be  our 
supreme  motive  in  praying?  What  is  the 
first  wish  this  prayer  expresses  in  regard 
to  God?  What  does  that  mean?  What 
should  be  our  first  thought  in  all  our 
prayers?  What  is  the  second  wish  ex- 
pressed in  regard  to  God?  Is  God's 
kingdom  coming  now?  When  will  God's 
kingdom  fully  come?  (Rev.  11  :iS-) 
What  is  the  third  wish  expressed  in  regard 
to  God?  Who  alone  has  the  right  to 
offer  that  prayer?  Where  should  we  wish 
the  will  of  God  to  be  done?  How  far 
can  we  answer  this  prayer  ourselves?  Will 
God's  will  ever  be  done  in  earth?  How 
fully  should  we  wish  it  done  on  earth? 
Will  it  ever  be  done  in  earth  as  fully  as 
it    is   done  in   heaven? 

Whose  wants  are  put  second  in  the 
prayer?  Is  it  right  to  pray  for  temporal 
things?  How  much  food  should  we  seek 
from  God?  How  should  a  Christian  live, 
according    to    v.    11?      What    second   wish 


in  regard  to  self  does  v.  12  express?  What 
is  meant  by  "debts"?  Who  are  meant  by 
"debtors"?  Who  alone  can  safely  offer 
the  petition  of  v.  12?  If  we  are  not 
forgiving  our  debtors  and  pray  this  prayer, 
what  are  we  asking  God  to  do?  What 
is  the  next  petition  in  regard  to  self? 
Does  God  ever  bring  men  into  temptation? 
For  what  purpose?  What  will  a  truly 
humble  person's  feeling  be  about  tempta- 
tion? What  does  this  petition  teach  us 
as  to  our  going  into  places  of  unnecessary 
temptation?  If  we  think  that  we  are  really 
strong  enough  to  resist  all  temptation,  of 
what  should  we  take  heed?  (i  Cor. 
10:12.)  What  was  the  final  petition  in 
this  model  prayer?  (See  R.  V.)  Against 
whose  wiles  are  we  always  to  be  on  our 
guard?  (i  Peter  5:8;  Eph.  6:11,  12.) 
How  alone  can  we  overcome  his  power 
and  wiles? 

What  great  promise  is  held  out  in  v.  14? 
What  is  the  condition  of  that  promise? 
If  we  do  not  forgive  others  their  tres- 
passes against  us,  what  then?  Is  our 
forgiving  others  the  ground  upon  which 
God  forgives  us?  (Eph.  1:7.)  Is  it  the 
fundamental  condition  upon  which  (}od 
forgives  us?  (Acts  10:43;  I3:39-)  What 
is  the  proof  that  we  really  have  believed 
on  Christ  and  accepted  this  forgiveness 
offered  through  His  shed  blood?  (Eph. 
4:32;  Matt.  18:23-35.)  Is  the  forgiveness 
for  which  the  disciple  is  taught  to  pray 
in  V.  12  forgiveness  of  the  sin  that  ex- 
cludes us  from  eternal  life  or  of  the 
sins  that  separate  us  from  communion  with 
Him  who  is  already  our  Father?  Upon 
what  ground  does  God  answer  any  of  our 
prayers?  Can  He  deal  with  us  as  forgiven 
sinners  if  we  do  not  forgive  others  their 
trespasses  against  us?  What  then  is 
always  necessary  when  we  pray?  (Mark 
11:25.) 


66 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


3.     How  to  fast,  vv.  16-18. 

What  should  be  our  manner  of  fasting? 
Whose  example  in  fasting  should  we  avoid? 
How  do  those  merely  playing  a  part  fast? 
What  is  their  motive?  What  do  they 
get?  In  whose  sight  should  we  fast? 
What  will  be  the  result  of  fasting  in 
that  way?  What  reward  will  He  give  us? 
Ought  there  to  be  fasting  in  the  Christian 
dispensation?      (Acts   13:2,  3;    14:23.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Father. 

(i).    What  He  is: 

A  Father,  4,  6,  8,  9,  14,  15,  18. 
(2).    Where  He  is: 

In  the  secret  place,  6,  18;  in  heaven,  9. 
(3).  What  He  does: 
Sees  in  secret,  4,  6,  18;  recompenses 
openly,  4;  forgives  trespasses,  14; 
knows  what  we  need,  8;  answers 
prayer,  6,  9-13;  gives  us  our  daily 
bread,  11 ;  delivers  us  from  the  evil 
one,  13. 

2.  God's  children. 

(i).  What  they  should  be: 
Different  from  the  Gentiles,  7;  not 
mere  players  of  a  part,  2,  5,  16; 
prayerful,  7,  9,  13;  forgiving,  15; 
humble,  self-distrustful,  aware  of  the 
devil's   wiles  and   power,    13. 

(2).  What  they  should  do: 
Seek  the  Father's  glory  supremely, 
trust  Him,  reverence  Him,  pray  to 
Him,  6,  9;  please  Him,  t8;  seek  the 
coming  of  His  kingdom,  delight 
supremely    in   His   will,    10;    depend 


upon  Him  for  daily  supplies,  11; 
seek  His  forgiveness,  12;  fast  in  His 
presence,  17,  18. 

3.  Prayer. 

(i).     To  whom  to  pray: 
The  Father,  6,  9. 

(2).     Where  to  pray: 
In  the  closet,  alone  with  God,   6. 

(3).  For  what  to  pray: 
The  Father's  glory,  9;  the  coming  of 
His  kingdom,  the  perfect  doing  of 
His  will,  10;  the  supplying  of  daily 
needs,  11 ;  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
12,  14;  to  be  kept  out  of  the  place 
of  temptation,  deliverance  from  the 
evil  one,  13;  for  everything  we 
need,  8. 

(4).  How  to  pray: 
Reverently,  9;  no  unnecessary  words, 
7.  9-13;  definitely,  putting  God's 
glory  first,  trustfully,  8,  9-13;  to  be 
heard  of  God  and  not  to  be  seen 
of  men,  6 ;  with  forgiveness  to  others, 
12,  14;  expectantly,  6,  9-13. 

4.  Good  works. 

Should  be  done  without  display,  to  please 
the  Father  and  not  to  win  applause 
of  men,  are  seen  by  the  Father,  are 
rewarded  by  the  Father,  4,  18. 

5.  Fasting. 

Christians  should  fast,  6-18;  they  should 
not  make  a  parade  of  their  fasting, 
16;  their  fasting  should  be  in  the 
presence  of  the  Father  and  not  to 
be  seen  of  men,  will  be  rewarded  by 
the  Father,  18. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


67 


LESSON  30. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount — (Continued).     Matthew  6:19-34 

DISCOVERY    OF 


THE    FACTS. 

/.  Where  the  disciple  of  our  Lord 
should  have  his  treasures,  vv.  19-23. 

Where  does  our  Lord  forbid  our  laying 
up  treasures?  For  whose  benefit  should 
we  not  lay  up  treasures  upon  earth?  Is 
it  ever  right  to  lay  up  treasures  upon  earth 
for  the  benefit  of  others?  (i  Tim.  5:8.) 
Is  it  wise  to  lay  up  very  large  treasures 
even  for  others?  What  becomes  of 
treasures  laid  up  on  earth?  Is  it  right  to 
lay  up  treasures  for  ourselves  anywhere? 
Where?  Why  is  it  wiser  to  have  treasures 
laid  up  in  heaven  than  on  earth?  How  can 
we  lay  up  treasures  in  heaven?  (Prov. 
11:30;  Dan.  12:3;  John  4:35,  36;  15:16; 
Luke  16:9-12;  Matt.  19:29;  5:ii.  12;  2 
Tim.  2:12;  Ro.  8:18;  2  Cor.  4:17,  18.) 
What  reason  does  our  Lord  give  in  v.  21 
why  we  should  lay  up  our  treasures  in 
heaven?  If  our  treasures  are  upon  earth 
where  will  we  wish  to  stay?  If  our  treas- 
ures are  in  heaven  where  will  we  always 
be  willing  to  go?  (Phil.  1:23.)  Upon 
what  should  the  believer  set  his  affections? 
(Col.  3:1.)  What  is  the  light  of  the  body? 
What  in  the  soul  corresponds  to  the  eye 
in  the  body?  (John  7:17,  R-  V.)  What 
kind  of  a  will  must  we  have  if  the  soul 
is  to  be  full  of  light?  If  the  will  itself 
is  perverted  in  darkness,  what  will  be  the 
result? 

2.  No  man  can  serve  two  masters,  vv. 
24-34- 

What  can  no  man  do?  Why  not?  Do 
men  ever  try?  What  two  masters  are 
many  men  today  trying  to  serve?  Which 
one  of  the  two  do  they  always  end  by 
serving?  Must  every  man  serve  some 
master?    Who  are  the  two  masters  between 


whom  we  must  choose?  Which  one  should 
we  choose?  What  does  God  demand  of 
every    one    who    chooses     Him?       (Matt. 


Will    God    accept    a    half-hearted 
If  a   man  will   serve   God   what 


12:30.) 
service? 

must  his  attitude  toward  the  world  be? 
(i  John  2:15;  James  4:4.)  If  a  man's 
heart  is  wholly  set  on  pleasing  God,  what 
will  be  his  attitude  toward  the  things  of 
this  world  (v.  25)  ?  What  is  the  Revised 
Version  of  "Take  no  thought"?  About 
what  things  should  we  have  no  anxiety 
whatever  (v.  25)?  (Phil.  4:6.)  V/hat  is 
the  connection  between  the  last  sentence 
in  v.  25  and  the  first  part  of  the  verse? 

For  what  does  God  provide  (v.  26)  ? 
If  God  provides  for  the  birds,  of  what 
may  we  be  confident?  Is  He  interested  in 
birds?  In  whom  is  He  more  interested? 
What  is  His  relation  to  us?  What  guar- 
antee has  He  given  us  that  He  will  not 
withhold  any  good  thing  from  us?  (Ro. 
8:32.)  In  what  sense  are  we  better  than 
the  birds?  (See  R.  V.)  What  is  the 
measure  of  the  value  our  Father  puts 
upon  even  the  vilest  of  men?  (John  3:16.) 
Do  some  men  seem  to  be  "of  much  more 
value"  than  the  birds?  What  makes  men 
so  valuable  in  God's  sight?  Why  is  anxiety 
foolish  anyhow  (v.  27,  R.  V.)  ?  Did  any 
one  ever  gain  anything  by  being  anxious? 
Why  do  we  not  need  to  be  anxious  about 
our  clothes  (vv.  28-30)  ?  What  should 
the  flowers  of  the  field  teach  us?  Who  is 
it  that  clothes  the  earth  with  beauty?  If 
we  are  anxious  about  food  and  clothing, 
what  does  it  prove  about  ourselves  (v.  30)  ? 
Are  we  to  infer  from  God's  feeding  the 
birds  without  their  working  that  we  need 
not  vrork?  (2  Thess.  3:10.)  What  is 
the  pf'jnt  of  the  argument?    Is  it  reasonable 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


for  a  child  of  God  ever  to  be  anxious  for 
food    and   other  necessities? 

What  reason  is  given  in  the  first  part 
of  V.  32  for  our  not  being  anxious?  What 
is  its  force?  What  reason  is  given  in  the 
last  part  of  v.  32  for  our  not  being  anxious? 
If  our  heavenly  Father  knows  we  need 
these  things,  of  what  may  we  be  sure? 
What  should  we  put  first?  If  we  are 
anxious  about  food  and  drink  and  cloth- 
ing, what  is  it  evident  that  we  have  put 
first?  What  does  it  mean  to  "seek  first 
the  kingdom  of  God"?  What  will  be  the 
result  as  regards  our  temporal  needs? 
How  much  anxiety  should  we  have  regard- 
ing the  future  (v.  34)  ?  How  many  days 
should  we  live  at  a  time?  To  what  may 
we  safely  leave  tomorrow's  needs?  How 
much  of  our  anxiety  is  regarding  troubles 
that  never  come?  When  will  God  take  care 
of  our  troubles? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

I.     God. 

(i).     What  He  is: 
Father,    32;    King,    33;    Ruler    of    the 
material  universe,  26-30. 


(2).    Where   He  is: 
In   heaven,   26,   32. 
(3).     What    He   does: 
Demands     whole-hearted     service      or 
none,  24;  feeds  the  birds,  26;  clothes 
the   fields   with   beauty,  28-30;   takes 
account  of  our  every  need,  32;  pro- 
vides food  for  those  who  trust  Him, 
30;  supplies  every  need  of  those  who 
put  His  kingdom  first,  Z2>- 
2.    The  children  of  God. 

(i).     What   they   should  not   do    or  be: 
Should     not     lay    up     for    themselves 
treasures  on  earth,  19;  not  be  anxious 
as  to  what  they  eat  or  drink,  25-31 ; 
not  be  anxious  for  the  morrow,  34. 
(2).     What  they  should  do  and  be: 
Should    lay    up    for    themselves    treas- 
ures  in  heaven,   20 ;    set  their   affec- 
tions    on     things     above,     21 ;     sur- 
render their   will  absolutely   to   God, 
22,    2^;    serve    God    with    the    whole 
heart,  renounce  the  world  altogether, 
24 ;  trust  God  for  food  and  drink  and 
clothes,  25-32 ;  seek  first  the  kingdom 
of  God,  33;  live  a  day  at  a  time,  34. 


LESSON  31. 

The   Sermon   on   the   Mount— (Continued).     Matthew   7:1-12. 


DISCOVERY     OF    THE    FACTS. 

J.     Whom  and  how  to  judge,  vv.  1-6. 

What  does  our  Lord  forbid  our  doing 
in  v.  I?  What  reason  does  He  give? 
Have  we  any  illustration  in  the  Bible  of 
one  who  judged  another  and  was  in  turn 
judged  himself?  (See  for  example  Luke 
7:39-50.)  What  other  reasons  are  given 
in  the  Bible  for  not  judging  others?  (Ro. 
2:1;  14:3,  4,  10,  13;  I  Cor.  4:3,  5;  James 
4:11,  12.)  Does  this  passage  forbid  all 
forming  of  estimates  of  others?  (See  v.  6.) 
What  is  the  difference  between  estimates 
and  judgments?    How  far  have  we  a  right 


to  form  estimates  of  others  ?  In  what  spirit 
should  we  form  them?  (i  Cor.  13:4-7-) 
With  what  judgment  shall  we  be  judged 
ourselves?  With  what  measure  will  God 
measure  to  us?  To  whose  faults  is  the 
average  man  sharp-sighted?  To  whose 
faults  is  he  totally  blind?  What  should 
we  look  at  before  we  look  at  the  mote 
that  is  in  our  brother's  eye?  What  is  the 
average  man  ready  to  pull  out?  What 
should  we  cast  out  first?  When  can  we 
see  clearly  to  cast  out  the  mote  that  is 
in  our  brother's  eye?  If  a  man  is  eager 
to    deal    with    the    faults    of   others   before 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


69 


he    has    dealt   with    his   own,   what   is    he? 

What  is  meant  by  not  giving  that  which 
is  holy  unto  dogs?  (v.  6;  compare  Prov. 
9:7,  8;  23:9;  Acts  13:45,  46.)  What  is 
meant  by  not  casting  pearls  before  swine? 
What  are  the  pearls  we  should  not  cast 
before  swine?  Who  are  swine?  (2  Peter 
2:22,  note  context.)  Is  there  any  lesson 
here  for  the  personal  worker?  When  only 
should  we  decide  whether  a  man  is  a 
dog  or  a  hog?  Ought  our  opinion  when 
thus  formed  be  final?  What  will  be  the 
result  if  we  cast  pearls  before  swine? 

2.     The  pozver  of  prayer,  vv.  7-12. 

What  is  the  way  to  get  things?  What 
is  the  simple  definition  of  prayer  suggested 
by  V.  7?  Does  God  really  answer  prayer? 
(21:22;  Mark  11:24;  Luke  11:9,  10;  18:1; 
John  14:13,  14;  15  7;  16:23,  24;  James 
1:5,  6;  I  John  3:22;  5:14,  15.)  If  we  do 
not  get  a  thing  by  mere  asking,  what 
should  we  do  next?  If  we  do  not  get  it 
by  seeking,  what  should  we  do?  What  will 
be  the  result  if  we  seek?  What  will  be 
the  result  if  we  knock?  Why  are  not 
more  doors  open  unto  us?  How  many 
that  ask  receive?  Is  this  the  statement  of 
a  general  principle,  or  does  it  teach  that 
every  one  that  asks  gets  everything  that 
he  asks?  Is  it  true  as  a  general  principle 
that  men  that  ask  have  things  given  them? 
Of  whom  ought  we  to  ask  if  we  would 
be  most  sure  of  getting  them?  Is  it  true 
as  a  general  principle  that  the  one  that 
seeketh  findeth?  What  does  a  man  gen- 
erally get?  How  ought  we  to  seek?  (Jer. 
29:12,  13.)  When  ought  we  to  seek?  (Is. 
55:6.)      To   whom  are   doors   open? 

What  proof  does  our  Lord  offer  that 
our  Father  will  give  us  good  things? 
What  thought  of  God  here  underlies  the 
doctrine  that  He  answers  prayer?  What 
conception  of  God  do  men  lose  sight  of 
when  they  deny  that  He  answers  prayer? 


Do  facts  of  experience  warrant  the  con- 
ception of  God  that  He  is  a  Father,  and 
not  a  mere  Lawgiver?  What  does  an 
earthly  father  usually  give  his  son?  Will 
our  heavenly  Father  give  us  as  good 
things?  What  reason  have  we  for  believ- 
ing that  He  will  deal  better  with  us  than 
we  do  with  our  own  children?  To  whom 
does  He  give  good  things?  Why  haven't 
we  more  good  things?  (James  4:2.)  Who 
is  wiser,  the  man  who  speculates  how  it 
is  possible  for  God  to  answer  prayer  or 
the  man  who  goes  to  God  and  asks  for 
things    and   gets   them? 

How  should  the  fact  that  our  heavenly 
Father  is  ready  to  give  us  whatsoever  we 
ask  Him  lead  us  to  act  toward  others  (v. 
12)  ?  Does  our  Lord  merely  bid  us  not 
to  do  unto  others  what  we  would  not  have 
them  do  unto  us?  What  does  He  bid 
us  do?  How  many  things  that  we  wish 
others  to  do  unto  us  should  we  do  unto 
others  (v.  12,  R.  V.)  ?  How  should  we 
talk  about  others?  How  should  we  sell 
goods  to  others?  How  should  we  buy 
goods  from  others?  How  in  general 
should  we  deal  with  others?  What  is 
summed  up  in  this  Golden  Rule?  Has  any 
man  ever  perfectly  kept  it?  Can  any  man 
be  saved  by  keeping  it?  Why  not?  If 
one  should  perfectly  keep  it  would  it  cover 
all  a  man's  duty?     (Matt.  22:37,  38.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

Father,  dwells  in  heaven,  gives  good 
things  to  them  that  ask  Him,  11; 
judges  man  with  the  judgment  with 
which  they  judge  others,  metes  out 
to  us  with  the  measure  we  mete  out 
to   others,   2. 

2.     The  Christian's    duty. 

Should  not  judge  (i.  e.,  form  final  and 
decisive  opinions   against    men),    i; 


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should  form  such  estimates  of  men 
as  are  necessary  to  govern  our  con- 
duct toward  them;  should  scrutinize 
carefully  the  beam  in  his  own  eye 
before  he  looks  at  the  mote  that  is 
in  his  brother's  eye,  3;  should  first 
cast  the  beam  out  of  his  own  eye 
before  he  tries  to  pull  the  mote  out 
of  his  brother's  eye;  when  he  has 
really  cast  the  beam  out  of  his  own 
eye,  should  help  his  brother  to  get 
the  mote  out  of  his  eye,  5;  should 
not  give  that  which  is  holy  unto  dogs, 
should  not  cast  pearls  before  swine, 


6 ;  should  pray,  seek,  knock,  7 ;  should 
do  all  things  unto  others  which  he 
desires  that  others  should  do  unto 
him,   12. 

S.    Prayer. 

What   prayer    is :      asking    for    what   we 

want,  7. 
How  to  pray :  persistently,  7 ;  expectantly, 

8;  definitely,  7,  8,  11. 
To   whom  to   pray:     Our   Father   which 

is  in  heaven,   11. 
Results  of  praying:  we  get  what  we  ask, 

7,  8;  we  get  all  good  things,  il. 


LESSON  32. 
The  Sermon  on  the  Mount  (Concluded).     Matthew  7:13-29. 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 


I.  The  way  of  destruction  and  the  way 
of  life,  vv.   13-14- 

How  many  "ways"  does  our  Lord  say 
that  there  are?  Where  does  the  one  way 
lead?  Where  does  the  other  way  lead?  If 
one  is  not  in  "the  way  which  leadeth  unto 
life"  in  what  way  is  he?  What  is  meant 
by  "destruction"?  (Rev.  17:8;  19:20; 
20:10.)  What  is  meant  by  "Hfe"?  (John 
10:28,  29;  17:3;  I  John  1:2.)  What  kind 
of  a  way  is  it  that  leads  to  destruction? 
Is  it  easy  to  enter?  Is  it  easy  to  walk  in? 
(Prov.  13:15.)  How  many  go  that  way? 
What  kind  of  a  way  is  it  that  leads  to  life? 
Is  it  easy  to  enter?  What  must  a  man  do 
to  enter  it?  (Matt.  18:3,  4;  Acts  2:38; 
John  3:3,  5;  John  14:6.)  Is  it  easy  to  walk 
in?  (Matt.  11:28-30.)  Is  it  a  disagreeable 
way  to  walk  in?  (Prov.  3 :i7.)  How  many 
are  traveling  that  way?  Why  are  so  many 
traveling  the  broad  way?  (Jer.  17:9; 
Ro.  8:7.')  Why  are  so  few  traveling  the 
narrow  way?  (i  Cor.  4:14)  Which  way 
are  vnu  travplincr? 


2.    Beware  of  false  prophets,  w.  15-20. 

Of  what  class  of  persons  does  our  Lord 
especially  urge  His  disciples  to  beware? 
What  is  meant  by  "false  prophets"?  Are 
there  any  other  warnings  in  the  Bible 
against  them?  (Deut.  13:3;  Jer.  23:16; 
Matt.  24:4,  5,  II,  24;  Mark  13:22;  Ro. 
16:17,  18;  Eph.  5:6;  Col.  2:8;  2  Pet.  2:1-3; 
I  John  4:1.)  Are  there  any  false  prophets 
in  the  world  today?  Will  their  number 
increase  or  decrease  before  the  coming  of 
our  Lord?  (i  Tim.  4:1,  2;  2  Thess.  2:3, 
4,  8-10;  2  Peter  3:3;  i  John  2:18;  2  Tim. 
3:13,  R.  V.)  How  can  one  avoid  falling  a 
prey  to  them?  (Acts  20:29,  30,  32;  2  Tim. 
3:13-17.)  How  do  they  appear  outward- 
ly? What  characteristics  are  indicated  by 
"sheep's  clothing"?  What  are  they  inward- 
ly? What  is  meant  by  this  description? 
Does  the  fact  that  a  man  makes  fair  pre- 
tences of  humility  and  meekness  and  love 
prove  that  he  is  really  a  messenger  of  God? 
(2  Cor.  11:13,  14;  Ro.  16:18.)  How  can 
we  detect  a  false  prophet  (v.  16)  ?  What 
are  the  fruits  the  real  prophet  of  God 
bears?     (Gal.  5  :22,  23;   i  Cor.  13  :i-8.) 


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71 


If  we  want  good  fruit,  what  must  we 
have  first?  In  order  that  a  man  may  be- 
come a  good  tree,  what  experience  must 
he  pass  through?  (John  3:3,  5.)  Is  there 
any  attempt  today  in  religious  work  to 
make  bad  trees  bring  forth  good  fruit? 
What  is  the  fundamental  fault  with  all 
"Ethical  Culture"  movements?  If  a  tree 
does  not  bring  forth  good  fruit  what  will 
become  of  it?  Is  it  enough  to  save  a  tree 
that  it  does  not  bring  forth  bad  fruit?  Are 
there  any  modern  trees  that  will  be  hewn 
down  and  cast  into  the  fire?  Into  what 
fire  will  they  be  cast?  (Matt.  13:41,  42; 
25:41,  46;  Rev.  20:15;  21:8.)  What  is  the 
final  test  by  which  any  man  can  be  known? 

S.    Saying  and  doing,  w.  21-23. 

How  do  many  people  expect  to  get  into 
the  kingdom  ?  Can  any  one  enter  the  king- 
dom that  way?  Ought  we  to  call  Jesus 
"Lord"?  (Ro.  10:9,  10.)  When  only  will 
our  calling  Him  Lord  do  any  good?  (Luke 
6:46;  13:25-27;  Matt.  25:11,  12;  Acts 
19:13-16.)  Is  it  mere  "saying"  that  God 
demands?  What  does  He  demand?  What 
is  it  that  we  must  do?  What  is  the  will  of 
the  Father  in  heaven?  (John  6:29;  i  John 
3:23.)  Where  will  we  find  His  will  re- 
vealed? If  then  we  are  to  do  His  will 
what  Book  must  we  study? 

How  long  will  many  persons  be  deceived? 
Do  the  persons  described  in  v.  22  really 
believe  themselves  to  be  a  saved  people? 
What  had  they  done?  Because  a  person 
preaches,  casts  out  devils  and  does  many 
wonderful  works  in  the  name  of  Christ, 
does  it  prove  that  he  is  really  a  disciple  of 
Christ?  Can  one  get  into  heaven  that  way? 
What  will  our  Lord  say  to  those  persons 
who  have  called  Him  "Lord,"  etc.,  but  who 
have  never  surrendered  their  own  wills  to 
Him  (v.  23)  ?  Where  will  they  spend 
eternity?      (25:41.) 


4.  Building  upon  the  rock  and  building 
upon  the  sand,  w.  24-29. 

What  two  things  must  a  person  do  in 
order  to  build  upon  the  rock?  What  must 
he  hear  (v.  24,  R.  V.)  ?  Where  can  we 
now  find  our  Lord's  words  to  hear  them? 
Will  hearing  alone  prove  sufficient?  What 
kind  of  a  man  is  he  that  hears  and  does 
the  words  of  our  Lord?  How  is  the  house 
which  every  man  builds  to  be  tested?  What 
will  become  of  the  house  built  upon  the 
rock  when  the  day  of  storm  comes?  Will 
it  do  any  good  to  hear  the  words  of  our 
Lord  if  we  do  not  obey  them?  What  kind 
of  a  man  is  he  that  hears  His  sayings  but 
does  not  do  them?  What  is  such  a  one  do- 
ing? How  will  his  house  be  tested?  Is 
every  one's  house  sure  to  be  tested  sooner 
or  later?  What  will  become  of  the  house 
of  the  one  who  hears  the  sayings  of  Jesus 
but  does  not  do  them?  What  kind  of  a  fall 
will  it  be? 

What  was  the  effect  of  our  Lord's  teach- 
ing upon  the  people?  Why  were  they 
astonished?  Why  did  He  teach  them  as 
one  who  had  authority?  (John  7:16; 
12:49;    14:10,   II,  24.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

A  Father,  His  dwelling  place — heaven. 
His  will — the  supreme  law  of  the 
kingdom,  21. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 

The  Son  of  God,  the  Judge  of  the  world, 
our  Lord,  21-23;  an  incomparable 
teacher,  taught  as  one  having  au- 
thority, 13-29;  what  we  do  with  His 
sayings  determines  our  destiny,  24-27. 
J.     The  two  roads. 

The  broad  road  leading  to  destruction, 
many  traveling  it,  13;  the  narrow 
road  leading  unto  life,  few  traveling 
it,   14. 


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4.  False  prophets. 

Make  an  outward  pretence  of  meekness 
and  gentleness  and  innocence,  in  in- 
ward fact  are  fierce  and  predatory, 
15;    known  by  their  fruits,  16. 

5.  Good  trees  and  corrupt  trees. 

(i).  A  good  tree:  bringeth  forth  good 
fruit,  17;  cannot  bring  forth  evil 
fruit,  18 ;    is  known  by  its  fruit,  20. 

(2).  A  corrupt  tree:  bringeth  forth  evil 
fruit,  17;  cannot  bring  forth  good 
fruit,  18;  is  known  b^'  its  fruit,  20; 


shall  be  cut  down  and  cast  into  the 
fire,  19. 
6.    The  coming  judgment. 

There  is  a  judgment  coming,  many  will 
be  disappointed  in  that  day,  22;  only 
one  adequate  preparation  for  it,  not 
merely  hearing  but  doing,  24-27; 
merely  calling  Jesus  "Lord,  Lord," 
prophesying  in  His  name,  casting  out 
devils  in  His  name,  and  doing  many 
wonderful  works  in  His  name  will 
not  prepare  one  for  that  day,  22; 
Jesus  Christ  is  the  Judge,  23. 


LESSON  33. 


The  Centurion's  Servant.    Luke  7 : 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  The  prayer  of  faith,  w.  1-3. 
Where  was  this  miracle  performed? 
What  miracles  had  already  been  wrought 
there?  (John  4:46-54;  Mark  2:1;  etc.) 
What  was  the  social  position  of  the  man 
who  came  to  our  Lord  compared  with 
that  of  our  Lord  Himself?  How  did  the 
centurion  approach  Him?  (Matt.  8:5.) 
Did  he  come  in  person?  How  are  we  to 
reconcile  the  account  we  have  here  with 
that  we  have  in  Matt.  8:5-8?  Why  did 
he  not  come  in  person  (v.  7)  ?  In  whose 
behalf  did  he  send  to  our  Lord?  (See 
margin,  R.  V.)  If  he  had  been  like  many 
masters  what  would  he  have  done  with 
that  slave?  (i  Sam.  30:13.)  Why  did 
he  want  the  servant  healed  (v.  2)  ?  What 
glimpse  does  this  give  us  into  his  charac- 
ter? Had  his  compassion  upon  a  suffering 
slave  anything  to  do  with  his  faith  in 
Christ's  readiness  to  help  him?  How  sick 
was  the  boy?  Why  did  he  send  to  our 
Lord  in  such  a  desperate  case?  Upon 
what  did  he  build  hh  faith?  (v.  3;  com- 
pare Ro.  To:i7-^  What  was  his  prayer  at 
this    time?      What    did    our    Lord     say? 


1-10.    (Compare  Matthew  8:1-13.) 

(Matt.  8:7.)  Is  He  ready  to  say  that  in 
answer  to  our  prayers  today?  (Heb.  13:8.) 
Did  the  apostles  claim  healing  power? 
(Acts  3:12.)  Why  did  He  promise  to 
come?  If  we  want  Him  to  come  to  our 
homes  what  must  we  do?     (Rev.  3:20.) 

2.  The  humility  of  faith,  vv.  4-7  (first 
half.) 

When  the  centurion  saw  our  Lord  ac- 
tually approaching  his  house,  what  did 
he  do?  What  was  his  testimony  regard- 
ing himself?  What  was  the  testimony 
of  the  Jewish  elders  regarding  him? 
Which  were  right?  Which  are  the  most 
likely  to  get  a  blessing  from  God,  those 
who  think  they  are  worthy  or  those  who 
think  they  are  not?  (Ps.  10:17;  Luke 
18:10-14.)  Which  is  it  best  to  plead  be- 
fore Him,  our  worthiness  or  our  unworthi- 
ness?  How  had  this  centurion  further 
shown  his  sense  of  unworthiness  ?  If  we 
feel  that  we  are  unfit  to  approach  God,  is 
there  any  one  we  can  get  to  present  our 
plea  to  Him?  (Heb.  7:25.)  However 
great  our  sense  of  unworthiness,  how  can 
we  still  have  boldness  to  draw  near  to 
God?     (Heb.  10:19;  4:14-16.) 


STUDIES   IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LOI 


73 


3-  The  confidence  of  faith,  vv.  7  (last 
half),   8. 

What  reason  besides  his  own  unworthi- 
ness  did  the  centurion  allege  why  our 
Lord  should  not  come  under  his  roof? 
Who  only  can  banish  sickness  by  His  bare 
word?  (Ps.  33:9;  107:20.)  What  faith, 
then,  in  our  Lord  did  the  centurion  have? 
Did  any  one  else  ever  come  to  our  Lord 
expecting  that  He  would  at  a  distance, 
by  a  mere  word,  banish  disease?  Was  the 
centurion  quite  confident  that  the  mere 
word  of  our  Lord  would  prove  effectual? 
How  did  he  further  illustrate  his  faith? 
What  did  he  think  was  Christ's  relation 
to  disease?  Was  he  right  about  that? 
What  do  we  find  in  the  Gospels  subject  to 
the  mere  word  of  Christ?  (Luke  4:35, 
36,  39;  Mark  4:39;  John  11 :43,  44.)  What 
kind  of  servants  did  the  centurion  have? 
Why?     (v.  2.) 

4.     The  reward  of  faith,  vv.  9,  10. 

What  was  the  effect  upon  our  Lord 
of  this  declaration  of  his  faith?  Is  there 
any  record  that  the  Son  of  God  ever  mar- 
velled at  anything  else?  (Mark  6:6.)  At 
which  has  He  the  most  occasion  to  marvel 
in  us,  our  faith  or  our  unbelief?  Did 
He  do  anything  besides  marvel  at  his  faith  ? 
Whose  else  faith  did  He  once  commend? 
(Matt.  15:28.)  Wherein  were  these  two 
persons  whose  faith  He  commended  alike? 
Where  do  we  find  the  greatest  faith  today, 
in  "Christian"  or  in  "heathen"  lands? 

Was  there  anything  commendable  about 
the  centurion  besides  his  faith?  What 
was  the  one  thing  our  Lord  commended? 
Why?  (Heb.  11:6,  f.  c;  John  6:29;  Ro. 
4:3.)  Of  what  did  He  see  a  prophecy 
in  his  faith?  (Matt.  8:11.)  Did  he  get 
anything  besides  commendation  of  his 
faith?  Why  was  what  he  asked  done? 
Why  are  many  of  the  things  we  ask  not 


done?  (Jas.  1:6,  7.)  How  much  was 
done  for  the  centurion?  (Matt.  8:13.) 
What  is  the  measure  of  our  getting?  (Matt. 
9:29;    17:20;  Mark  9:23.) 

What  was  the  result  of  our  Lord's  word 
in  this  instance?  Had  the  servant  himself 
exercised  faith?  Will  faith  today  avail  for 
any  one  besides  him  that  has  it? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

His  deity,  7,  8;  humanity,  9;  the  power 
of  His  word,  7,  8,  10;  readiness  to 
respond  to  humble  prayer,  6,  10; 
would  not  go  to  see  a  nobleman's 
child  (John  4:46-50),  starts  at  once 
to  see  a  humble  centurion's  servant, 
6;  His  joy  at  faith,  rewards  faith, 
heals  the  incurably  sick,  9,  10;  res- 
cues from  the  very  jaws  of  death, 
saves  in  response  to  the  prayer  and 
faith  of  another,  2-10. 

2.  The  centurion. 

His  position,  tender  love  for  a  slave,  2; 
generous  regard  for  God's  worship, 
5 ;  humility,  6,  7. 

His  faith :  he  believed  our  Lord  could 
cure  incurable  disease,  in  its  last 
stages,  2,  7;  at  a  distance,  7,  8;  by 
a  word,  7;  disease  was  as  subject  and 
obedient  to  our  Lord  as  his  slaves 
were  to  him,  8 ;  our  Lord  was  divine, 
7,8. 

What  he  got :  what  he  sought,  10 ;  more 
than  he  sought,  commendation,  9; 
admission  to  the  kingdom  (Matt. 
8:11.) 

His  prayer:     earnest,  definite,  for  a  tem- 
poral   blessing,    for    another,    3,    4; 
humble,  believing,  6,  7 ;  prevailing,  10. 
3-     The  boy. 
Lowly    position,    a    slave,    dearly    loved. 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


desperately  sick,  grievously  torment- 
ed, at  the  last  extremity,  beyond 
human  help,  2  (Matt.  8:6);  had  a 
believing  master,  g;  was  the  subject 
of  prayer,  3 ;  made  completely  whole, 

ID. 

4.    Faith. 

It  is  humble,  confident,  6,  7;  its  natural 
soil — a  loving  heart,  2,  6;  comes  to 


Christ,  3;  expects  large  things  of 
Christ,  7,  8;  gets  more  than  it  ex- 
pects, 9,  10  (Matt.  8:10-12);  found 
where  least  expected,  Christ  honors 
it  above  everything  else,  9. 
Its  reward :  gets  what  it  seeks,  10 
(Matt.  8:13);  gets  commendation, 
9;  gets  admission  to  the  kingdom 
(Matt.  8:11). 


LESSON  34. 
The  Raising  of  the  Widow's  Son  at  Nain.     Luke  7:11-17. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.    A  broken-hearted  mourner,  vv.  11,  12. 

Where  does  this  lesson  represent  our 
Lord  as  going?  For  what  purpose?  Were 
there  no  other  sorowing  hearts  that  day? 
Why  did  He  go  to  this  poor  woman  alone? 
What  two  processions  met  that  day?  What 
made  this  case  a  pecuUarly  touching  one? 
How  many  instances  of  the  raising  of  the 
dead  are  there  in  Bible  history?  How 
many  of  them  were  of  the  only  child? 
What  time  of  day  was  it?  Who  was  she 
to  meet  on  that  dreary  journey?  What 
was  to  turn  her  hopeless  sorrow  into  unut- 
terable joy  and  gladness?  Whom  may  we 
always  meet  on  the  saddest,  dreariest  jour- 
ney? What  will  be  the  result  of  the 
meeting?  (Matt.  11:28.)  Does  our 
Lord  ever  meet  funeral  processions 
today  on  the  way  to  the  grave?  Was  the 
woman  alone?  Why  was  the  multitude 
with  her?  Did  they  do  her  much  good? 
Who  alone  can  comfort  at  such  an  hour? 
2.  A  compassionate  Saviour,  vv.  13,  I4- 
What  was  the  effect  upon  our  Lord  of 
the  sight  of  this  poor  bereaved  widow? 
Does  He  see  us  in  our  sorrows?  How 
does  He  feel  when  He  sees  us?  (Judges 
10:16;  Ps.  86:15;  Is.  63:9;  Lam.  3:32-36; 


Heb.  4:15,  16.)  Did  the  woman  ask  His 
help?  Did  she  believe  He  could  help  her? 
What  was  it  that  appealed  to  Him,  if 
there  was  neither  prayer  nor  faith? 

How  did  He  first  of  all  manifest  His 
compassion  for  her?  Had  any  one  else 
said  that  to  her?  What  was  the  difference 
between  His  saying  it  and  others  saying  it? 
How  many  tears  will  God  ultimately  wipe 
away?  (Rev.  21:4.)  Is  it  wrong  for  a 
believer  to  weep?  (John  11:35.)  What  is 
wrong  for  the  believer  in  this  matter  of 
sorrow?  (i  Thess.  4:13.)  Ought  the  be- 
liever to  spend  much  time  in  weeping  and 
sorrowing?  (i  Cor.  7:30.)  Is  this  the  only 
place  where  our  Lord  said:  "Weep  not"? 
(8:52.)  Does  He  say  to  any  mourners 
today:    "Weep  not"? 

What  was  the  next  thing  He  did?  Does 
He  seem  to  have  been  much  excited? 
What  most  impresses  one  about  the  manner 
in  which  this  incident  is  related?  What 
did  the  bearers  do  when  He  touched  the 
bier?  Why?  What  did  all  the  spectators 
do?     What  did  He  do? 

2.  Sadness  turned  into  gladness,  w. 
15-17- 

What  did  the  young  man  do?  What 
was  all  that  our  Lord  had  to  do  to  raise 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


75 


the  young  man?  (Compare  John  11:43; 
Luke  8:54.)  What  did  He  prove  by  that? 
(Ps.  33:8,  9;  John  5:21-23.)  How  did  His 
raising  from  the  dead  differ  from  that  of 
Elijah  and  EHsha?  (i  Kings  17:20,  21;  2 
Kings  4:34.)  That  of  Peter?  (Acts  9:40.) 
That  of  Paul?  (Acts  20:10.)  Who  will 
ultimately  hear  His  voice  and  rise?  (John 
5 :28,  29.)  Does  His  voice  ever  raise  the 
dead  today?  (Eph.  5  :i4;  2:1.)  What  was 
it  about  the  young  man  that  heard  His 
voice  and  responded? 

Was  it  a  kindness  to  the  young  man  to 
call  him  back  to  Hfe?  What  had  he  to 
tell  of  what  he  had  experienced  in  those 
hours  of  death?  How  must  life  have 
seemed  to  him  after  this?  How  ought  the 
resurrection  life  we  get  from  our  Lord 
seem  to  us?  What  does  the  incident  teach 
about  the  power  of  Christ?  About  the 
power  of  death?  What  different  things 
does  the  Gospel  narrative  show  us  as  sub- 
ject to  Christ?  (Diseases,  nature,  devils, 
death.)     Who  then  is  He? 

What  did  our  Lord  do  with  the  young 
man  after  He  had  raised  him?  What 
will  He  do  with  dead  children  after  He 
raises  them  in  that  great  day?  What 
transformed  the  saddest  day  of  that 
mother's  Hfe  into  the  gladdest  day?  (Meet- 
ing with  Jesus.)  What  can  transform  the 
saddest  day  of  our  lives  into  the  gladdest 
day?  Did  the  mother  enjoy  that  boy  as 
much  after  his  death  and  resurrection  as 
before?  Will  we  enjoy  our  loved  ones 
as  much  after  their  death  and  resurrection 
as  before?  Was  her  bereavement  a  mis- 
fortune or  a  blessing?  Why?  When  are 
our   bereavements    blessings? 

What  was  the  effect  upon  the  beholders 
of    this    miracle?      Why    did    they    fear? 


(1:65;  5:8,  26;  8:37;  Matt.  28:8;  Acts 
5:5,  11-13.)  What  was  their  conclusion? 
Was  it  justified  by  the  facts?  Does  God 
generally  accredit  His  prophets?  How  far 
did  the  news  spread? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

J.    Our   Lord. 

His  deity,  credentials,  commanding  pres- 
ence, divine  composure,  wondrous 
tenderness,  14,  15;  humanity,  13; 
prophetic  office,  16;  unfailing  com- 
passion^ II,  13,  15;  matchless  power 
over  self,  over  man,  over  sorrow, 
over  death  and  Satan,  13-15  (Heb. 
2:14)  ;  He  seeks  out  the  sorrowing, 
11;  sees,  has  compassion  on,  com- 
forts the  sorrowing,  13 ;  gives  them 
back  their  dead,  15;  transforms 
their  deepest  gloom  into  loftiest  ex- 
altation. 

2.  Man. 

Subject  to  death,  conscious  after  death, 
14;    victorious    over   death,    15. 

3.  Death. 

Its  power — claims  even  the  young  as  its 
victims,  12;  its  impotence — yields  to 
the  word  of  Christ,  15. 

4.  Sorrow. 

Its  frequency,  12;  its  appeal  to  our  Lord, 
its  beneficence,  its  cure,  13,  15. 

5.  Consolation. 

The  emptiness  of  human,  12;  the  suffi- 
ciency of  divine,   13. 

6.  The  widow  of  Main. 

The  saddest  woman  in  all  the  city,  ir, 
12;  met  our  Lord,  12;  the  gladdest 
woman  in  all  the  land,  15,  16. 

7.  The  young  man. 

He  was  dead,  12;  our  Lord  spoke,  14; 
he  heard  His  voice  and  he  lived,  18. 


76 


STUDIES   IN    THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  35. 

John  the  Baptist's  Last  Message  to  Our  Lord 
Matthew  11:2-19.) 
DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS.  proving  His  claims? 

I.    John  the  Baptist's  perplexity,  vv.  l8- 


Luke  7:18-35.     (Compare 


Who  is  the  central  figure  of  this  lesson? 
Where  was  he  at  this  time?  Hovi^  did  he 
get  there?  What  news  reached  him?  How 
did  he  come  to  hear  it?  What  clear 
revelation  had  he  had  concerning  our  Lord 
at  an  earher  day?  (John  1:33,  29,  34.) 
In  what  state  of  mind  do  we  find  him  in 
this  lesson?  What  led  to  his  doubt? 
(Compare  i  Kings  19:3.  4-)  Is  it  credible 
that  John  who  had  formerly  had  such  clear 
faith  should  afterward  get  into  doubt? 
What  will  help  us  to  understand  it?  What 
proof  have  we  here  of  the  genuineness 
of  the  Gospel  story?  Had  he  lost  all  faith 
in  Jesus?  How  much  faith  had  he  yet? 
How  did  he  show  his  wisdom?  What  is 
the  wisest  thing  any  man  can  do  with  his 
doubts?  Did  he  remain  long  a  doubter? 
Why  not?  Just  what  was  the  question 
he  asked  of  our  Lord?  What  is  the  mean- 
ing of  "He  that  cometh"  (R.  V.)?  What 
seemingly  good  reason  had  he  for  ques- 
tioning whether  our  Lord  was  "the  Com- 
ing One"?  How  did  his  messengers  prove 
their  fitness  for  their  mission? 

2.  Our  Lord's  anszver  to  John  the  Bap- 
tist, vv.  21-23. 

What  was  occurring  at  the  very  moment 
John's  messengers  arrived?  Of  what  was 
this  proof?  (Is.  35:5,  6;  42:6,  7;  61:1-3.) 
Did  our  Lord  enter  into  any  long  discussion 
to  prove  that  He  was  "the  Coming  One"? 
What  did  He  do?  What  is  the  best  proof 
that  He  is  indeed  "the  Coming  One"  and 
the  Son  of  God?  Are  there  any  other  pas- 
sages  where  He  appeals  to  His  works  as 


(John  5:36;  14:11; 
15:24.)  What  were  the  specific  things  to 
which  He  appealed  in  this  instance?  To 
what  things  that  He  is  doing  can  we  appeal 
today  to  prove  that  He  is  the  Son  of  God? 
Does  the  mere  fact  of  healings  prove  that 
one  is  the  Messiah,  the  Angel  of  the  Cov- 
enant, or  even  a  man  sent  from  God?  To 
what  crowning  miracle  did  Jesus  call  atten- 
tion? What  dead  one  had  been  recently 
raised   (vv.   11-16) ? 

To  what  did  our  Lord  appeal  besides 
His  miracles?  Do  pretenders  usually 
preach  the  Gospel  to  the  poor?  What  do 
they  do  to  the  poor?  What  final  word 
of  warning  did  our  Lord  add?  To  what 
O.  T.  prophecy  did  this  refer?  (Is.  8:14, 
15.)  What  occasioned  the  word  of  warn- 
ing just  at  this  time? 

2.  Our  Lord's  testimony  to  John  the 
Baptist,  vv.   24-30. 

What  do  we  find  our  Lord  doing  in  the 
verses  that  follow?  When  did  He  bear 
His  testimony  to  John?  Why  did  He  not 
bear  His  testimony  while  the  messengers 
were  still  there?  How  did  John  win  the 
honor  of  having  our  Lord  bear  testimony 
to  him?  How  can  we  win  this  honor? 
(Matt.  10:32,  2,^;  25:20.)  What  might  the 
people  be  tempted  to  think  concerning 
John?  Why  might  they  think  that  he  was 
a  "reed  shaken  with  the  wind"?  Who 
defended  him  against  this  suspicion?  What 
in  the  second  place  did  our  Lord  say 
John  was  not?  Where  did  He  say  that 
those  who  were  gorgeously  arrayed  and 
lived  delicately  were  to  be  found?  Where 
was  John   to  be  found? 

What    did    He    say   John    was?      (1:76; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


20:6.)  What  is  a  prophet?  Did  John 
attain  to  anything  higher  than  that?  To 
what?  Where  is  this  prophecy  found? 
(Mai.  3:1.)  What  two  "messengers"  are 
there  mentioned?  What  was  this  messen- 
ger to  do?  How  high  a  position  among 
men  did  John  occupy?  How  did  his  posi- 
tion compare  with  that  of  our  Lord  Him- 
self? ("Matt.  3:11 ;  V.  28.)  Who  else  occu- 
pies a  higher  position  than  John?  Why? 
(Luke  10:23,  24;  Eph.  3:8,  9;  Col.  1:25-27; 
I  Peter  i :  10-12.)  Ought  we  to  aspire  to 
be  John  the  Baptists?  Why  not?  What 
can  any  one  of  us  be? 

In  what  two  ways  had  John's  message 
been  received?  Who  had  accepted  it? 
Who  had  rejected  it?  By  accepting  the 
message  what  did  our  Lord  say  the  peo- 
ple had  done?  How  justify  God?  How 
did  they  show  they  accepted  John's  mes- 
sage? What  does  our  Lord  say  the  Phari- 
sees and  lawyers  rejected?  (R.  V.)  How 
did  they  show  it?  Is  it  a  serious  thing 
to  reject  God's  counsel?     (Prov.  13:13.) 

4.  The  unreasonableness  of  men,  vv.  31- 
35- 

To  what  did  our  Lord  liken  the  men  of 
that  generation?  From  what  was  the  illus- 
tration taken  ?  What  insight  does  this 
give  us  into  Christ's  character?  Into  His 
method  of  teaching?  What  is  the  point 
of  the  comparison?  How  did  He  describe 
the  life  of  John?  What  kind  of  a  life 
was  it?  To  what  was  the  authority  at- 
tributed? What  was  the  true  explanation 
of  it?  If  a  man  should  live  such  a  life 
today  what  would  be  said  of  him? 

What  is  Christ's  description  of  His  own 
life?  Does  this  imply  that  He  drank  wine? 
What  did  they  say  of  His  life?  Was  He 
a  glutton?  Was  He  a  wine-bibber?  Was 
He  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners? 
What    did    His    enemies    mean    by    calling 


Him  such?  Was  He  a  friend  of  publicans 
and  sinners  in  the  sense  they  meant?  If 
one  is  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners  in 
the  sense  in  which  our  Lord  was,  will  he 
be  contemptuously  so  called  nowadays? 
What  was  His  real  meat?  (John  4:34.) 
While  the  most  of  the  people  received  the 
message  of  John  and  our  Lord  in  this 
contemptuous  way,  were  there  any  who 
received  it  differently?  What  does  He  call 
those  who  received  their  message?  (John 
8:47.)  What  is  the  crowning  proof  that 
one  is  one  of  wisdom's  children?  By  re- 
ceiving wisdom's  message  what  had  they 
done? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i).    What  He  is: 
Divine,  27   (Mai.  3:1);   the  Lord,   19; 
the   Coming  One,  20;   the  healer  of 
all   men's   diseases   and  troubles,  21 ; 
the    Messiah,    21,    22    (Is.    35:5,    6; 
42:6,  7;  61:1-3)  ;  the  friend  of  pul:)li- 
cans  and  sinners,  34. 
(2).    What  He  did: 
Cured   diseases,  cured  scourges,  deliv- 
ered men  from  evil  spirits,  bestowed 
eyesight  on  the  blind,  21 ;  made  the 
lame  to  walk,  cleansed  lepers,  made 
the    deaf   to   hear,    raised   the   dead, 
preached  the  Gospel  to  the  poor,  22. 
Blessed  is  he  whosoever  shall  find  none 
occasion  of  stumbling  in  Him! 
2.    John  the  Baptist. 

An  imperfect  man,  a  temporary  doubter, 
an  honest  doubter,  went  to  the  right 
One  with  his  doubts,  19;  a  prophet, 
much  more  than  a  prophet,  26;  God's 
messenger,  the  preparer  of  the  way 
of  the  Messiah,  27  (Mai.  3:1) ;  none 
greater  than  he  among  men,  not  so 
great  as  the  one  who  is  but  little  in 
the  kingdom  of  God,  28. 


78 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


LESSON  36. 
Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  Who  Was  a  Sinner.    Luke  7 : 36-50. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

1.  A  curious  and  an  anxious  seeker,  vv. 
36-39- 

Who  invited  our  Lord  to  eat  with  him? 
What  -was  the  purpose  of  the  invitation? 
Did  He  ever  on  any  other  occasion  receive 
an  invitation  to  eat  from  this  class?  (ii:37; 
14:1.)  Did  He  ever  receive  invitations 
from  a  different  class?  (Mark  2:14,  15.) 
Hovir  many  of  these  invitations  did  He 
accept?  Hovir  many  of  us  can  have  Him 
at  our  table? 

What  unexpected  guest  came  to  the 
Pharisee's  house?  What  sort  of  a  woman 
was  she?  What  drew  her  there?  What 
gave  her  the  courage  to  come  to  our  Lord? 
(Matt.  11:28.)  Did  He  like  to  have  such 
persons  come  where  He  was?  (5:30-32.) 
What  did  she  bring  with  her?  What  for? 
What  did  she  do  when  she  got  where  He 
was?  Why  did  she  weep?  It  it  a  good 
thing  for  sinners  to  weep?  (Ps.  5i:i7; 
Joel  2:12,  13.)  Is  sorrow  for  sin  repent- 
ance? (2  Cor.  7:10.)  What  was  it  moved 
this  woman  to  penitence?  Would  Pharisaic 
treatment  have    done   it? 

What  did  the  Pharisee  conclude  from 
this  scene?  Where  was  he  right  in  his 
reasoning?  Where  was  he  wrong?  Ac- 
cording to  his  idea  how  is  righteousness 
to  be  shown?  According  to  Christ's  idea 
how  is  righteousness  to  be  shown?  Are 
there  any  people  who  hold  the  Pharisee's 
idea  today?  Did  our  Lord  know  this 
woman  was  a  sinner?  Was  that  to  His 
mind  a  reason  for  rejecting  her?  (i  Tim. 
1:15.) 

2.  A  critic  rebuked  and  a  penitent  com- 
mended, vv.  40-46. 

How  did  our  Lord  prove  to  this  super- 


cilious Pharisee  that  He  could  read  hearts? 
What  did  He  say  first  to  him?  Why  did 
He  have  something  to  say  to  Simon?  Has 
He  anything  to  say  to  each  of  us?  In  this 
parable  who  is  represented  by  the  credi- 
tor? By  the  two  debtors?  By  represent- 
ing both  the  Pharisee  and  the  woman  as 
debtors,  what  does  our  Lord  aim  to  teach 
him?  By  picturing  Himself  as  the  credi- 
tor of  both,  whom  does  He  assume  to  be? 
In  what  second  point  does  our  Lord  repre- 
sent the  Pharisee  and  the  woman  as  being 
alike  (v.  42)  ?  How  many  men  and  wo- 
men are  alike  in  these  two  respects?  (Ro. 
3:22,  23.)  Had  the  Pharisee  realized  it? 
Do  moral,  respectable  sinners  today  realize 
that  they  are  just  like  drunkards  and  har- 
lots and  thieves  and  murderers  in  these 
two  respects?  Ought  they  to  be  taught 
it?  When  men  have  "nothing  to  pay" 
what  does  our  Lord  do?  Before  they 
enjoy  that  forgiveness  what  must  they  do? 
(Luke   18:13,   14.) 

With  what  question  did  He  conclude  His 
parable?  What  was  the  purpose  of  this 
question?  (To  show  the  Pharisee  that 
if  this  woman  had  been  a  greater  sinner 
than  he,  she  was  now  a  more  loving  saint.) 
According  to  this,  what  must  there  be 
before  there  can  be  any  deep,  intense  love 
for  Christ?  Why  is  it  some  of  us 
have  no  deeper  and  intenser  love  for 
Him?  Will  those  forms  of  Christianity 
that  minimize  sin  and  have  little  to  say 
about  pardon,  produce  a  very  ardent  love 
for  Christ?  How  many  of  us  have  sinned 
enough  to  put  us  in  the  class  of  those 
who  have  been  much  forgiven?  Why  is 
it  then  that  we  do  not  love  more?  Did 
Simon  see  the  purpose  of  Christ's  ques- 
tion? 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


79 


What  was  the  second  question  our  Lord 
put  to  Simon?  Did  he  really  see  the  wo- 
man? What  was  all  he  saw  in  her?  What 
did  our  Lord  see  in  her?  What  is  all 
the  Pharisee  of  today  sees  in  a  redeemed 
man  or  woman?  What  does  our  Lord  see 
in  a  redeemed  man  or  woman?  What 
contrast  did  He  draw?  Who  appears  in 
the  better  light  in  that  contrast,  Simon  or 
the  woman?  Who  appears  in  the  better 
light  in  His  eyes  today,  the  redeemed  out- 
cast now  filled  with  intense  love  to  his 
Redeemer  or  the  cold  moralist?  With 
whom  was  our  Lord  better  pleased,  Simon 
or  the  woman  who  had  been  a  sinner? 
With  whom  is  He  best  pleased  today? 
Does  He  mark  the  dishonor  shown  Him 
today  as  He  did  that  shown  by  this  Phari- 
see?    Does  God?     (Heb.   10:28.  29.) 

S-     Forgk'ciicss,  love,  peace,  z'Z'.  47-50. 

What  was  the  conclusion  our  Lord  drew 
from  this  woman's  act?  Was  she  forgiven 
because  she  loved  much,  or  did  she  love 
much  because  she  was  forgiven?  What 
will  be  the  proof  that  we  are  forgiven? 
What  did  He  say  to  the  woman?  What 
does  "forgiven"  mean?  Does  He  say  that 
to  any  today?  To  whom?  (Acts  13:38, 
39.)  Had  she  a  right  to  say  she  knew 
she  was  forgiven?  How  did  she  know 
it?  Has  the  believer  a  right  to  say  he 
knows  he  is  forgiven?  How  does  he  know 
it?  Did  Jesus  say:  "Thy  sins  shall  he 
forgiven"?  If  the  woman  had  questioned 
whether  she  was  forgiven,  what  would  she 
have  been  doing?  What  did  the  hearers 
say?  What  is  the  right  answer  to  that 
question?  What  did  our  Lord  tell  the 
woman  had  saved  her?  What  ground  had 
she  for  her  faith?      (Matt.   11:28.)      How 


had  her  faith  saved  her?     How  many  will 
faith  save?     (Ro.  i  :i6.) 

What  were  Christ's  closing  words  to  the 
woman?  Why  could  she  "go  in  peace''? 
How  alone  can  we  "go  in  peace"?  (Ro 
5:1.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our    Lord. 

His  humanity,  36;  deity,  40,  41,  42,  48, 
49;  compassion  for  sinners,  38;  at- 
tractiveness to  sinners,  2>7',  knowl- 
edge of  sinners,  39-47;  power  to  for- 
give sinners,  48 ;  desire  for  and  ap- 
preciation of  the  love  of  sinners, 
44-46. 

2.  Sinners. 

Drawn  to  our  Lord,  awakened  by  Him, 
Z7]  received  by  Him,  39;  forgiven 
by  Him,  48;  when  saved,  devoted  to 
Him,   44-46. 

3.  Forgiveness. 

Free  to,  needed  by  all  sinners,  great  and 
small,  42;  our  Lord  the  giver,  48, 
49;  faith  the  condition,  50;  peace  and 
love  the  result,  47. 

4.  Faith. 

Comes  to  our  Lord,  Z7;  begets  love  to 
Him,  44-46;  enters  into  His  peace,  50. 

5.  Simon  and  The  Woman. 
Moral,  41.                      Immoral,  37. 
Honored,  26.                Despised,  27,  39- 
Unloving,  44-46.           Loving,   44-46. 
Censorious,  39.             Penitent,  38. 

A  debtor  with  noth-  A  debtor  with  noth- 
ing to  pa}^  42.  ing  to  pay,  42. 

Rebuked     by      our  Commended   by   our 

Lord,  44-46.  Lord,   44-46. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


The   Unpardonable   Sin. 


LESSON  37. 
Mark   3:20-35.      (Compare   Matthew    12:22-50; 


Luke  11:14-36.) 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 


1.  Considered  insane  by  friends,  vv.  20, 

21. 

How  was  the  eagerness  of  the  multitude 
to  hear  our  Lord  illustrated?  Was  it 
simply  to  hear  Him  that  the  multitude 
came?  (vv.  9,  10;  Luke  6:17.)  Was  He 
willing  to  have  His  rest  and  refreshment 
broken  in  upon  in  this  way?  (Mark  6:31- 
35.)  Why?  In  which  did  He  find  the 
most  satisfying  refreshment,  food  for  His 
own  body  or  ministering  to  the  needs  of 
others?  (John  4:31,  34-36.)  If  He  had 
been  like  many  of  us,  what  would  He  have 
done  if  the  needy  multitudes  gathered 
about  Him  when  He  needed  food  and 
rest?  Why  was  it  He  sent  the  multitudes 
away  in  one  instance?  (Mark  6:45,  com- 
pare John  6:15.)  When  His  friends  heard 
how  He  was  taking  time  from  rest  and 
refreshment  to  minister  to  the  needy  multi- 
tudes, what  did  they  at  once  conclude?  If 
a  man  nowadays  spends  his  strength  and 
takes  the  time  that  other  men  would  spend 
in  eating  and  rest  in  ministering  to  the 
needs  of  perishing  souls,  what  do  many 
people   conclude   about   him? 

What  did  our  Lord's  friends  try  to  do? 
Were  they  moved  by  kindly  or  hostile  mo- 
tives? Were  they  right?  What  lay  at 
the  root  of  their  grievous  mistake?  Was 
any  other  man  of  God  beside  our  Lord 
ever  reckoned  insane?  (2  Kings  9:11; 
Jer.  29:26;   Acts   26:24.) 

2.  Considered  in  league  with  the  devil 
by  His  foes,  vv.  22-30. 

What  was  the  interpretation  put  upon 
His  actions  and  deeds  by  the  scribes?  Why 
did  .they  seek   to   explain   His  miracles   in 


that  way?  What  would  have  been  a  more 
simple  and  natural  explanation?  (John 
3:2.)  Why  did  they  not  accept  that  ex- 
planation? (John  3:19,  20;  II  :47,  48;  Mark 
12:7.)  For  what  purpose  had  these  scribes 
come  down  from  Jerusalem?  (vv.  2,  6; 
7:1,   2;   Luke  5:17,   21;    Matt.   21:15,   16.) 

What  was  the  immediate  occasion  of 
their  accusing  Him  of  being  in  leagiie  with 
Beelzebub?  (Matt.  12:22-24.)  Was  this 
the  only  instance  in  which  this  accusation 
was  brought  against  Him?  (Matt.  9:34; 
John  7:20;  8:48,  52;  10:20.)  If  such 
charges  were  brought  against  Him,  what 
may  His  disciples  expect?  (Matt.  10:25.) 
Did  these  awful  accusations  grieve  Him? 
(Ps.  69:20.)  For  whose  sake  did  He  "en- 
dure such  contradiction  of  sinners  against 
Himself"?  (Is.  53:3,  4.)  Did  He  meet 
these  outrageous  charges  with  anger  and 
invective?  What  did  He  do?  Had  the 
scribes  made  these  charges  directly  to  Him- 
self? (Matt.  12:25;  Luke  11:17.)  Of 
what  was  "knowing  their  thought"  a  proof? 
(i   Kings   8:39.) 

What  was  His  argument  to  prove  that 
it  was  not  by  Satan's  power  that  He  cast 
out  Satan's  emissaries?  Was  that  a  con- 
clusive argument?  If  it  was  not  by  Satan's 
power  that  He  cast  out  demons,  by  what 
power  must  it  have  been?  (Matt.  12:28; 
Luke  11:20.)  Who  was  He  who  could 
thus  put  forth  "the  finger  of  God"  and 
bring  Satan's  power  to  naught?  To  what 
does  He  compare  Satan  in  verse  27?  To 
what  does  He  compare  the  man  under 
Satan's  influence?  (Luke  ii  :2i,  22.)  What 
must  be  done  before  the  poor  victim  of 
Satan    can    be    delivered?      Who    is    the 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


81 


"stronger  than  he"  (Satan)  who  comes 
upon  him  and  overcomes  him  and  taketh 
from  him  all  his  armor  and  divideth  his 
spoils?  (Luke  11:22.)  If  a  man  then  is 
under  the  mighty  power  of  Satan,  to  whom 
must  he  look  for  deliverance?  Why  is  he 
sure  of  it  if  he  looks  to  Him?  Who  must 
this  One  who  is  mightier  than  Satan  be? 
What  turn  does  the  thought  take  next? 
How  many  sins  are  pardonable?  (i  Peter 
2:24.)  What  is  the  condition  upon  which 
they  will  be  pardoned?  (Acts  10:43; 
13:39-)  What  is  the  unpardonable  sin? 
(Matt.  12:31,  32.)  Why  unpardonable? 
(Heb.  6:6.)  Will  one  who  has  committed 
the  unpardonable  sin  wish  to  come  to 
Christ?  Will  every  one  who  comes  to 
Christ  be  received?  (John  6:37.)  If 
then  one  does  come  to  Christ  what  does  it 
conclusively  show?  Will  the  Spirit  move 
upon  the  heart  of  one  who  has  committed 
this  sin?  If  then  the  Spirit  is  moving  a 
man's  heart  what  does  it  show?  What 
change  does  the  Revised  Version  make  in 
the  closing  words  of  verse  29?  What  is 
implied  by  that  change?  How  does  this 
doctrine  of  an  unpardonable  sin  (see  espe- 
cially Matt.  12:32)  bear  upon  the  doctrine 
that  all  men  will  ultimately  be  forgiven 
and  saved?  Why  did  our  Lord  utter  this 
warning'  Had  they  in  so  saying  committed 
the  unpardonable  sin? 

S.  Misunderstood  by  His  nearest  kin, 
vv.   31-35- 

What  was  the  effect  of  the  conflict  be- 
tween our  Lord  and  the  scribes  upon  His 
relatives?  What  was  their  object  in  calling 
Him  at  this  time?  Instead  of  trying  to 
call  Him  away  what  ought  they  to  have 
been  doing?  (Luke  10:39-42.)  Was  it  an 
occasion  of  any  grief  to  Him  that  His  own 
kin  and  His  own  mother  misunderstood 
Him?     (Ps.  69:7,  8.)     Which  caused  Him 


the  more  bitter  grief,  the  terrific  denun- 
ciation of  His  avowed  enemies  or  the 
strange  misunderstanding  of  His  own  kin? 
Which  causes  Him  the  more  bitter  grief 
today,  the  gross  misrepresentations  of  His 
open  enemies  or  the  failure  of  His  pro- 
fessed friends  to  understand  Him?  How 
did  He  rebuke  the  interference  of  these 
officious  relatives?  What  were  the  char- 
acteristics of  this  rebuke?  Who  did  He 
say  were  His  nearest  kin  and  most  loved 
ones?  (John  14:21-23.)  Does  obedience 
to  God  make  us  children  of  God  and  so 
nearest  kin  to  Christ,  or  does  it  prove 
that  we  already  are  children  of  God  and 
nearest  kin  to  Christ?  How  do  we  be- 
come children  of  God?  (John  1:12,  13.) 
What  is  the  test  by  which  we  shall  know 
we  are  (v.  35)?  (i  John  2:29.)  Is  the 
love  that  our  Lord  here  proclaims  a  general 
love  or  a  love  for  each  individual  who 
does  God's  will?  If  we  wish  Him  to  have 
this  deeper  and  peculiar  affection  for  us 
as  individuals  what  must  we  do?  If  we 
would  do  God's  will  what  must  we  first 
become?  (Ro.  7:18,  19;  8:3,  4;  i  John 
3:9;  Gal.  3:26.)  How  much  does  He 
love  us  if  we  "do  the  will  of  God"?  Are 
there  any  other  blessings  pronounced  in 
the  Bible  upon  those  who  do  the  will  of 
God?  (Matt.  7:21;  John  7:17;  i  John 
2:17;  3:22.)  What  is  the  will  of  God? 
(John  6:29;   I  John  2:22.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

7.     Our   Lord. 

Divine,  2^  (Luke  11:17;  i  Kings  8:29), 
27  (cf.  Matt.  12:28;  Luke  11:20); 
drew  the  multitudes  to  Himself,  20, 
2,2;  forgot  His  own  needs  in  His 
consideration  for  the  needs  of  the 
neglected  masses,  20;  was  counted 
"beside  Himself"  by  His  friends,  21 ; 
and  in  league  with  the  devil  by  His 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


enemies,  22;  would  not  be  severed 
from  the  path  in  which  God  led 
Him  by  the  impulses  of  natural  af- 
fection, or  the  misunderstanding  and 
opposition  of  blind  friends,  or  the 
slanders  and  plots  of  unprincipled 
enemies,  21,  22,  31-33;  composed  in 
the  face  of  unjust  and  outrageous 
accusation,  23;  put  His  enemies  to 
confusion,  23-29 ;  stronger  than  Satan, 
binds  him,  alone  can  deliver  his  vic- 
tims, 27;  forgives  all  sins  but  one, 
28;  finds  His  nearest  kin  in  those 
who  obey  His  Father's  will,  has  a 
peculiar  and  personal  love  for  each 
obedient  child  of  God,  34,  35. 

3.     The  scribes. 

Dogged  the  footsteps  of  our  Lord,  ac- 
cused Him  of  being  in  league  with 
the  devil,  attributed  the  work  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  to  Satan,  22;  com- 
mitted, or  were  in  imminent  peril 
of  committing,  the  unpardonable  sin, 
29,  30;  were  answered  and  silenced 
by  our  Lord,  23-26. 

3.     The  friends  of  our  Lord. 

Misunderstood  Him,  misrepresented  Him, 


hindered  His  work,  ti-ied  to  put  a 
stop  to  His  work,  21 ;  interrupted 
His  work,  were  without  calling 
when  they  should  have  been  within 
listening  to  Him,  31 ;  grieved  Him  by 
their  lack  of  appreciation  of  Him- 
self and  His  purposes  perhaps  more 
than  His  avowed  enemies  by  their 
slanders,  21-33;  tenderly  but  severely 
rebuked  by  Him,  31-35. 

4.  Satan. 

Mighty,  masters  men  and  takes  posses- 
sion of  them  as  "his  goods,"  over- 
mastered by  Christ,  bound  by  Christ, 
despoiled  of  "his  goods"  by  Christ, 
27. 

5.  The   unpardonable  sin. 

There  is  an  unpardonable  sin,  29;  there 
is  but  one  unpardonable  sin,  28;  it  is 
blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost, 
its  character  is  such  and  it  dis- 
closes such  settled  antagonism  to 
the  truth  and  to  good  that  it  is 
certain  that  the  one  who  commits 
it  will  never  repent,  it  is  unpardon- 
able because  eternal  and  never  re- 
pented of,  29,  R.  V. 


LESSON  38. 

The  Parable  of  the  Sower.     Matthew  13:1-23.     (Compare  Mark  4: 

Luke  8:4-15.) 


■20; 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

In  what  sort  of  a  church  was  this  para- 
ble uttered?  Is  there  much  justification 
in  the  Bible  for  open-air  meetings?  If  we 
consider  all  open-air  preachers  cranks, 
whom  do  we  condemn?  What  celebrated 
sermons  were  preached  in  the  open  air? 
Why  did  our  Lord  go  to  the  seaside  to 
teach?  What  thoughts  should  guide  us 
in  selecting  a  place  to  teach  or  preach? 
When  did  He  speak?     (Luke  8:4.)     Was 


He  in  the  habit  of  speaking  only  when  a 
great  multitude  assembled?  (John  3,  4.) 
Any  other  instances  where  multitudes  came 
to  hear  Him?  (Matt.  5:1;  15:32;  Luke 
8:45.)  Why  did  the  great  multitudes 
come?  What  did  our  Lord  always  see 
in  a  great  multitude?  (Matt.  9:36-38; 
Mark  2:2;  4:34.)  From  which  sermon  did 
the  greater  good  come,  that  to  great  multi- 
tudes or  that  to  one  woman?  (John  4:39.') 
What  method  of  teaching  did  our  Lord 


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83 


employ  on  this  occasion?  Had  He  ever 
employed  it  before  (v.  lo)  ?  What  was 
His  purpose  in  using  it  now?  (vv.  10-13; 
Mark  4:11,  12.)  Whose  fault  was  it  that 
some  of  the  people  had  these  things  spoken 
unto  them  in  parables  and  not  clearly? 
If  we  want  the  truth  clearly  and  not  in 
parables,  what  must  we  do?  (John  T.i'J.') 
What  does  God  send  to  those  who  do  not 
love  and  will  not  heed  the  truth?  (2 
Thess.  2:10-12.)  From  what  sort  of  a 
pulpit  did  our  Lord  speak  this  parable? 
(Mark  4:1.) 

What  picture  does  the  parable  present 
to  us?  Of  what  is  the  seed  the  symbol? 
(Luke  8:11.)  Why  is  the  Word  of  God 
likened  unto  a  seed?  (Col.  1:5,  6.)  Is 
there  any  comfort  in  the  thought  that  the 
Word  is  a  seed?  Who  is  the  sower?  Who 
can  be  sowers?  What  promise  is  there 
in  the  Bible  to  all  who  earnestly  sow  it? 
(Ps.  126:6.)  Where  will  the  fulness  of 
the  harvest  be  seen?  What  did  the  sower 
do  before  he  went  out  to  sow?  Why  is 
it  that  so  many  would-be  sowers  get  so 
scant  a  crop?  How  many  kinds  of  soil 
are  mentioned  in  the  parable?  What  do 
these  different  soils  represent? 

Who  are  represented  by  the  wayside 
hearers  (v.  19)?  (Luke  8:12.)  What 
becomes  of  the  seed  sown  in  such  hearts? 
Who  is  the  chief  agent  in  taking  away 
the  seed  sown  in  these  hearts?  What  is 
his  purpose?  (Luke  8:12.)  What  is  the 
one  thing,  above  all  others,  from  which 
Satan  wishes  to  keep  men?  What  power 
is  there  in  the  truth  if  planted,  believed 
and  rooted  in  the  heart?  (Luke  8:12.) 
How  do  people  get  to  be  wayside  hearers? 
Can  a  wayside  hearer  become  a  good  soil 
hearer?  Why  did  our  Lord  say  that  "the 
devil  cometh  and  taketh  away  the  Word"? 
Why  did  He  not  say  the  seed  lay  there 


and  rotted,  or  the  impression  faded  away? 
Is  it  an  important  part  of  Satan's  work 
to  take  away  the  seed  sown  in  human 
hearts?  How  soon  does  Satan  come? 
(Mark  4:15.) 

What  became  of  the  seed  in  the  second 
case?  Who  are  represented  by  the  rocky 
ground  hearers  (v.  20)?  (Luke  8:12.) 
Is  there  any  response  to  the  truth  in  this 
case  ?  Upon  what  does  it  take  hold  ?  What 
is  it  that  is  rocky  and  impenetrable?  Do 
these  hearers  give  any  promise?  (Mark 
4:16.)  Is  it  always  a  good  sign  when  any 
one  responds  very  readily  to  the  Word  and 
receives  it  at  once  with  gladness?  How 
does  a  man  who  sees  the  real  bearing  of 
the  truth  and  its  solemn  demands  often- 
times receive  it  at  first?  Which  is  better, 
a  swift  work  or  a  deep  work?  What  be- 
came of  the  seed  in  this  case?  What  is 
symbolized  by  that  (v.  21)?  What  was 
the  cause  of  their  falling  away?  If  the 
seed  were  well  rooted  what  would  be  the 
effect  of  the  sun?  If  the  Word  is  well 
rooted  in  a  man's  heart  what  will  be  the 
result  of  "temptation,  tribulation  and  perse- 
cution because  of  the  Word"?  Have  we 
any  N.  T.  illustrations  of  rocky  ground 
hearers?      (Gal.  4:15;   5:7;  6:12.) 

What  became  of  the  seed  in  the  third 
case?  Whom  does  this  represent?  Has 
there  been  any  real  attention  to  the  Word 
here?  Has  it  taken  any  hold  on  the  will? 
Are  they  capable  of  bearing  fruit?  What 
is  the  trouble  in  their  case?  What  is 
represented  by  the  thorns?  (Mark  4:18, 
19;  Luke  8:14.)  What  had  been  done  with 
the  thorns?  What  ought  to  have  been 
done?  What  is  the  practical  lesson? 
Have  we  any  instance  in  the  N.  T.  of 
one  in  whom  the  Word  was  in  danger 
of  being  choked  by  "the  cares  of  this 
world"?      (Luke    10:41,    42;    14:18,    20.) 


84 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


When  may  we  know  that  the  cares  of  this 
world  are  choking  the  Word?  How  can 
we  keep  from  being  anxious  about  any- 
thing? (Phil.  4:6,  R.  V.)  What  very 
solemn  warning  has  our  Lord  given  us  in 
regard  to  the  cares  of  this  world?  (Luke 
21 :34,  35-)  What  was  the  second  thing 
that  choked  the  Word?  Are  those  who 
have  riches  the  only  ones  in  peril  from 
them?  (I  Tim.  6:9,  R.  V.)  What  is 
the  third  thing  that  choked  the  Word? 
What  becomes  of  the  seed?  (Mark  4:7.) 
What  will  become  of  the  unfruitful? 
(John  15:6;  Matt.  3:10.  )  Is  this  a  danger 
in  our  churches  today?  Have  we  any 
N.  T.  illustrations?  (2  Tim.  4:10;  Rev. 
3:14,    17,    18.) 

What  became  of  the  seed  in  the  fourth 
case?  Who  are  represented  here?  (5:23; 
Mark  4:20;  Luke  8:15.)  In  how  many  in- 
stances did  the  seed  come  to  nothing?  In 
how  many  did  it  bear  fruit?  Did  it  pay 
then  to  sow  it?  Have  we  any  of  the  fourth 
class  today?  If  we  are  tempted  to  be 
discouraged  because  of  the  first,  second  and 
third,  with  what  thought  can  we  encourage 
our  hearts?  What  promise  have  we  to 
comfort  us?  (Is.  55:11.)  Are  we  to  con- 
clude that  three-fourths  of  the  seed  came  to 
nothing?  At  what  stage  in  the  growth  of 
seed  did  the  failure  occur?  What  was  the 
proof  of  the  good  soil?  What  is  the  test  of 
genuine  acceptance  of  the  Word?  (Jas. 
2:18;  John  15:5-)  Have  we  any  N.  T. 
illustrations  of  the  seed  sown  on  good  soil? 
(Acts  17:11,  12;  Col.  1:6;  I  Thess.  1:2, 
3.)  Is  the  good  soil  all  equally  productive 
(V.  8)? 


What  is  the  practical  lesson  of  the  par- 
able (vv.  9,  24,  25)  ?  (Luke  8:18.)  Did  the 
disciples  understand  the  parable?  What 
did  they  do?  (Luke  8:9.)  When  we 
don't  understand  any  of  Christ's  teaching, 
what  is  the  wisest  thing  for  us  to  do? 
What  prayer  of  the  Bible  ought  every  stu- 
dent of  the  Bible  to  have  ever  upon  his 
lips?  (Ps.  119:18.)  Why  didn't  the  others 
ask  to  have  the  parable  explained?  If 
they  had,  would  our  Lord  have  granted  the 
request?  (James  i  :5.)  What  privilege  did 
He  say  His  true  disciples  had?  Is  that 
much  of  a  privilege?  How  did  they  get 
this  privilege,  as  something  earned  or  a 
gift?  Why  had  it  been  given  to  them  and 
not  to  the  rest  (v.  12)  ? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  The  Word. 

(i)  Its  power:  to  grow,  5-8;  to  bear 
fruit,  23;  to  save  men  (Luke  8:12). 

(2)  Its  importance :  in  heedless  hearts, 
4,  19;  in  shallow  hearts,  5,  20;  in  pre- 
occupied hearts,  7,  22. 

2.  Hearers  of  the  Word. 

(i)  Foolish:  hear  but  do  not  heed,  4, 
19;  heed  but  do  not  hold,  5,  20; 
hold  but  do  not  hoe  out  thorns,  or 
hold  with  only  half  the  heart,  7,  22. 

(2)  Wise :  hear,  understand,  heed,  ac- 
cept, hold  fast,  pray  for  light,  9. 

3.  The   devil. 

His  existence  and  reality,  appreciation 
of  the  power  of  the  Word,  hatred  of 
the  Word,  alertness,  activity,  maligni- 
ty, power,  4,  19. 


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85 


LESSON  39. 
The  Parable  of  the  Wheat  and  Tares.     Matthew  13:24-30,  36-43. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     Two   sowers,  vv.  24,  25. 

To  whom  was  this  parable  spoken  (v. 
36)?  To  whom  was  it  explained?  What 
parable  preceded  this?  How  much  time 
intervened  between  the  two?  Is  there  any 
connection  between  the  two? 

To  whom  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
likened?  Does  this  form  of  expression 
mean  that  the  kingdom  is  like  the  man 
himself  or  that  its  progress  is  like  that  in 
this  history  of  which  the  man  is  the  central 
figure?  What  is  meant  by  "the  kingdom  of 
heaven"?  Whom  does  the  sower  in  this 
parable  symbolize  (v.  2>7)  ?  What  is  im- 
plied in  the  title  "Son  of  Man"?  What  is 
symbolized  by  the  good  seed  (v.  38)  ?  In 
the  preceding  parable  what  did  the  good 
seed  symbolize  (v.  19)  ?  What  is  the  rela- 
tion between  the   two? 

What  is  the  field  (v.  38)  ?  Whose  field 
is  the  world?  Who  is  the  god  of  this 
world?  (2  Cor.  4:4.)  Is  he  rightful 
ruler  in  this  world?  What  does  our  Lord 
assume  to  be  by  claiming  the  world  to  be 
His  field?  In  whose  field  did  the  Son  of 
man  sow?  How  many  of  us  have  a  field? 
What  is  our  field?  What  is  it  our  duty 
to  do  in  regard  to  it?  If  oae  has  a  very 
small  field  is  it  important  to  sow  good  seed 
in  it?  Which  is  best,  a  small  field  well 
cultivated  or  a  large  field  poorly  cultivated? 

What  harm  came  to  the  field?  Who  is 
the  enemy  (v.  39)  ?  Does  this  mean  a 
personal  devil?  (2  Cor.  2:11;  11:14;  2 
Thess.  2:9,  10;  Matt.  4:1-11.)  Why  do 
men  den^  the  existence  of  a  personal  devil? 
What    proof    of    his    existence    have    we? 

Whom  do  the  tares  represent  (v.  38)  ? 
How   do   wicked  men   come  to  be  in  the 


world?  How  does  the  devil  sow  them? 
(Gen.  3:4,  5.)  What  is  taught  by  that? 
Where  did  the  devil  sow  them?  Do  the 
tares  ever  get  into  the  church?  What 
are  tares  literally?  Is  such  an  atrocious 
act  ever  committed  in  fact?  What  illus- 
tration have  we  in  history  of  the  devil 
sowing  tares?  (Gen.  3;  John  13:2;  Acts 
5:3;  20:29,  etc.)  Does  the  devil  have  any 
helpers  in  sowing  tares?  What  may  we 
be  sure  will  be  sown  on  top  of  the  wheat 
we  sow  in  the  home,  in  the  Sunday  school, 
etc.?  When  is  the  enemy  said  to  have 
sown  the  tares?  What  did  the  Saviour 
mean  to  teach  by  that?  Can  we  always  be 
on  our  guard?  What  guarantee  then  have 
we  that  we  shall  always  be  kept?  (Ps. 
121:3.) 

What  did  the  enemy  do  when  he  had 
sown  the  seed?  Why?  Does  he  try  to 
conceal  himself  today  when  he  has  done 
his  work?  Was  there  any  similarity  be- 
tween the  work  of  Satan  and  that  of  the 
Son  of  man? 

2.  Two  crops  growing  together,  vv.  26- 
29. 

When  were  the  tares  discovered?  When 
and  how  can  tares  be  distinguished  from 
wheat?  When  and  how  can  bad  men  be 
distinguished  from  good?  (Matt.  7:20.) 
Were  they  tares  before  they  were  dis- 
covered to-be  such?  How  many  kinds  of 
seed  were  there?  How  many  kinds  of  men 
are  there?  (i  John  3:10.)  What  was  the 
first  feeling  of  the  farmer's  servants  when 
they  discovered  the  tares?  What  does  this 
surprise  represent?  What  is  our  Lord's 
answer  to  the  question  of  the  origin  of 
evil  in  the  world?  What  is  the  origin  of 
the  obstacles  to  Christ's  work  today?     (i 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Thess.  2:18.)  How  far  can  Satan  hinder? 
(Job  1:12;  2:6.)  What  was  the  second 
feeling  of  the  servants  in  regard  to  tares? 
What  does  that  represent?  Did  this  spirit 
ever  manifest  itself  in  the  disciples?  (Luke 
9:54.)  Have  the  professed  disciples  of 
Jesus  ever  exhibited  this  spirit  since?  Does 
the  householder  permit  the  tares  to  be  root- 
ed up?  Does  this  prohibit  the  excommuni- 
cation of  church  members?  (18:15-17;  Ro. 
16:17;  I  Cor.  5:3-5,  11;  2  Thess.  3:6,  14. 
What  is  forbidden?  Has  the  command  any 
bearing  on  church  discipline?  What  reason 
does  the  householder  give  for  not  rooting 
out  the  tares  at  once?  How  might  the 
wheat  be  rooted  out?  What  question  that 
men  are  constantly  asking  do  His  words 
answer?  Why  does  God  delay  the  execu- 
tion of  judgment  on  the  wicked?  (2  Peter 
3 :9.)  What  element  of  Christ's  character  is 
here  set  forth? 

3.     Two  harvests,  v.  30. 

Were  the  tares  and  wheat  to  grow  to- 
gether forever?  When  is  the  harvest  (v. 
39)  ?  What  two  kinds  of  harvest  are 
spoken  of  in  the  Bible  as  taking  place  at 
the  end  of  the  world?  (Rev.  14:14-20.) 
What  is  to  take  place  at  the  harvest?  Who 
are  the  reapers  (v.  39)  ?  What  will  they 
do  with  the  tares?  What  is  signified  by 
binding  them  in  bundles?  What  is  meant 
by  the  burning  (v.  42)  ?  Where  else  is 
the  doom  of  the  wicked  spoken  of  as  fire? 
(2  Sam.  23:6,  7;  Matt.  7:19;  John  15:6; 
Is.  66:24;  5:24;  9:18,  ig;  10:16,  17;  33:11, 
12 ;  Heb.  6 :8 ;  10 :26,  27 ;  Matt.  25 :4i ;  Rev. 
20:15;  21:8.)  What  shall  be  cast  into  the 
fire  (v.  41)  ?  What  shall  the  wicked  do  in 
the  furnace  of  fire  (v.  42)  ?  What  does 
"gnashing  of  teeth"  signify?  (Acts  7:45.) 
Where  is  the  barn  where  the  wheat  is 
gathered  (v.  43)  ?  What  shall  they  do 
there?    Who  will  shine  most?    (Dan.  12:3.) 


How  much  of  the  wheat  will  be  gath- 
ered into  the  garners?  How  many  of 
the  tares  will  be  cast  into  the  fire  (v.  41)  ? 
Does  this  parable  teach  that  the  evil  gradu- 
ally disappears  from  the  world  or  that  evil 
and  good  grow  side  by  side  until  a  final, 
awful  catastrophe  in  which  the  good  shall 
be  separated  from  the  evil?  Does  the 
harvest  precede  or  follow  Christ's  coming? 
(Matt.  24:30,  31.)  Upon  what  does  our 
place  in  the  harvest  depend?  What  does 
the  lesson  teach  about  the  devil's  charac- 
ter?    About  God's? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus. 

His  humanity,  27^  4i ;  deity,  goodness,  24; 
the  ideal  man,  27',  the  world's  right- 
ful Lord,  24;  the  world's  final  judge, 
His  long-sufifering,  severity,  30;  His 
final  triumph  over  Satan  and  sin, 
41-43. 

2.  The  devil. 

The  certainty  of  his  existence,  the  malig- 
nity of  his  heart,  the  activity  of  his 
movements,  the  cunning  of  his  opera- 
tions, the  subtlety  of  his  methods, 
29,  35;  the  usurpation  of  his  domin- 
ion, 24-26. 

3.  The  angels. 

Christ's  servants,  41 ;  ministers  of  Christ's 
mercy,  30;  executioners  of  His 
wrath,  42. 

4.  Man. 

Two  classes :  sons  of  the  kingdom,  sons 
of  the  devil,  38;  not  always  distin- 
guishable or  separable  now,  29;  will 
be  distinguished  and  separated  when 
they  are  ripe — the  one  for  heaven, 
the  other  for  hell,  30;  two  destinies: 
God's  garner,  the  furnace  of  fire, 
30;  two  experiences:  burning  in  hell, 
shining  in  the  Kingdom  of  their 
Father,  42,  43. 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


87 


5.     The  bliss  of  the  righteous. 

Its  character :  real,  final,  certain,  glorious, 
30,  43 ;  its  nature :  holy  fellowship, 
communion  with  Christ,  effulgent 
glory,  30,  43 ;  time :  the  end  of  the 
age,  40. 


6.     The   doom   of   the  wicked. 

Its  character:  real,  certain,  final,  terrible, 
30,  31,  42;  its  nature:  physical  tor- 
ment, moral  degradation,  unholy 
companionship,  unavailing  cries,  30, 
42 ;  time :  the  end  of  the  age,  40. 


LESSON  40. 

The  Growth  of  the  Kingdom.     Mark  4:26-29;  Matthew  13:31-33. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  The  seed  growing  of  itself,  Mark 
4:26-29. 

What  is  the  relation  of  this  parable  to 
the  parables  in  Matt.  13:1-30?  What  is 
represented  by  the  seed  in  this  parable? 
(Luke  8:11;  I  Peter  1:23.)  Where  is  it 
to  be  sown?  Why  does  it  spring  up  and 
grow?  Who  is  it  sows  it?  What  com- 
forting thought  is  there  for  the  sower  in 
V.  27?  What  is  the  teaching  of  v.  28 
as  to  the  manner  of  the  growth  of  the 
kingdom?  Is  there  any  teaching  here  as 
to  the  growth  of  the  spiritual  life  of  the 
believer?  Who  is  it  puts  in  the  sickle? 
When  does  He  put  it  in? 

2.     Outward  grozvth,  Matt.   13:31,  32. 

What  is  the  relation  of  the  parable  of 
the  mustard  seed  to  the  two  parables  that 
precede  it?  In  what  respects  principally 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  like  the  mustard 
seed?  (Acts  1:15,  compare  21:20;  Ps. 
72:16,  17;  Dan.  2:34,  35.)  In  what  single 
seed  was  the  kingdom  of  heaven  first  plant- 
ed in  the  earth?  (John  12:24;  Gal.  3:15.) 
What  was  the  character  of  this  seed  in 
the  eyes  of  the  world?  (Is.  53:2,  3.)  Is 
this  parable  intended  to  teach  "the  outward 
growth  of  the  kingdom  in  the  world,"  "the 
internal  growth  of  the  church  as  a  system 
of  truth  and  ethics"  or  "the  growth  of 
the  spiritual  life  of  the  individual"?  Are 
there  other  respects  in  which  the  kingdom 


of  heaven  is  like  the  mustard  seed?  Who 
is  it  sows  the  seed?  Where  does  he  sow 
it?  What  is  his  field  (vv.  Z7,  38)?  What 
is  meant  by  the  birds  of  heaven  coming 
and  lodging  on  the  bfanches  thereof?  (vv. 
4,  19;  Ezek.  17:22,  23,  24;  31:6,  12;  Dan.  4: 
12-14.)  In  what  respects  are  almost  all 
movements  which  are  from  God  like  the 
mustard  seed? 

3.     hnvard  decay,  Matt.   13:33. 

To  what  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  lik- 
ened in  the  second  parable  of  this  lesson? 
Of  what  is  leaven  the  type  in  every  other 
passage  in  which  it  is  found  in  the  Bible? 
(i  Cor.  5:6,  7;  Gal.  5:8,  9;  Matt.  16:6, 
etc.)  Was  it  usually  allowed  in  the  sacri- 
fices? Why  not?  Was  there  any  sacrifice 
in  which  it  was  allowed?  (Lev.  23:17.) 
In  this  sacrifice  in  which  it  was  allowed 
what  did  it  symbolize?  Why  is  it  so  fre- 
quently used  as  a  symbol  of  corruption? 
Does  it  necessarily  follow  because  a  thing 
is  often  used  in  the  Bible  as  a  symbol  of 
something  evil  that  it  cannot  be  used  else- 
where as  a  symbol  of  something  good? 
(Compare  i  Peter  5:8  with  Rev.  5:5;  Hos. 
7:11  with  Matt.  10:16;  Rev.  12:9  with 
Num.  21:8  and  John  3:14.)  Are  these 
instances  really  parallel  to  the  usage  of 
leaven  in  the  Bible?  Have  we  any  in- 
spired reference  to  this  parable  of  our 
Lord  by  which  we  can  decide  whether 
leaven  is  here  used  as  a  symbol  of  good 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF   OUR  LORD 


or  of  evil?  (i  Cor.  5:6-8.)  How  then 
can  "the  kingdom  of  heaven"  be  said  to 
be  "like  unto  leaven"?  (Compare  vv.  24, 
25.) 

Of  what  is  woman  a  type  in  the  Bible? 
(Zech.  5:7-11;  Rev.  17:3-6;  i  Tim.  2:14, 
etc.)  What  is  represented  by  the  three 
measures  of  meal?  If  we  take  the  leaven 
to  represent  the  Gospel  in  its  pervasive  in- 
fluence, what  must  the  measures  of  meal 
represent?  Of  which  does  the  meal  seem 
the  more  natural  symbol,  the  world  or 
the  children's  bread?  Why  are  three 
measures  mentioned?  (Gen.  18:6;  Judges 
6:19;  I  Sam.  1:24.)  What  three  forms 
of  leaven  are  mentioned  in  the  teaching 
of  Christ?  (Matt.  16:6,  12;  Mark  8:15.) 
What  did  the  woman  do  with  the  leaven? 
Why  (v.  25)  ?  What  did  the  leaven  do 
in  the  meal?  What  does  that  teach?  If 
we  take  the  leaven  as  the  Gospel  itself  what 
would  it  teach?  Is  it  the  doctrine  of  the 
Bible  elsewhere  that  the  whole  world  is 
gradually  to  be  converted  by  the  silent, 
pervasive  influence  of  the  Gospel?  (vv. 
30,  49;  I  Tim.  4:1;  2  Tim.  3:1-5,  13;  Matt. 
24:24-31;  2  Thess.  2:3-8;  1:7,  8;  Rev. 
1:7;  Luke   18:8,  etc.) 

What  is  the  relation  between  the  para- 
ble of  the  mustard  seed  and  the  parable 
of  the  leaven?  Where  did  our  Lord  get 
His  illustrations  for  these  two  parables? 
Is   there   any   lesson   in   that   for   Christian 


workers  today?  What  is  the  practical  les- 
son from  this  parable  for  us?  Where 
shall  we  find  a  safeguard  against  this 
corrupting  of  the  children's  bread  by  the 
leaven  of  false  doctrine?  (Acts  20:29,  30, 
32;    2   Tim.   3:13,    14.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

His  insignificance  in  the  eyes  of  men, 
32;  His  knowledge  of  the  whole 
future  outward  and  inward  history 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  31-33; 
the  founder  of  the  kingdom,  the 
world  His  field,  31 ;  His  use  of  com- 
mon things  to  illustrate  great  truths, 
31-33;  forewarns  and  forearms  His 
attentive  disciples  against  the  in- 
sidious perils  of  the  last  days,  33. 

2.  The  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Its  insignificant  beginnings,  31 ;  its 
wondrous  growth,  protecting  shadow 
over  individuals  and  nations,  32;  its 
inward  corruption  by  an  apostate 
church,  the  manner  in  which  it  is 
corrupted — the  woman  secretes  the 
leaven  of  error  in  the  children's 
bread  (the  truth),  the  insidiousness 
of  the  process,  the  all-pervasiveness 
of  the  corrupting  influence,  it  was 
all  foreknown  and  provided  for  by 
the  founder  of  the  kingdom,  33. 

"Take  heed  and  beware  of  the  leaven !" 


LESSON  41. 
Three  Parables:   The  Hid  Treasure,  the  Merchant  Seeking  Goodly- 
Pearls,  and  the  Net  Cast  into  the  Sea.    Matthew  13:44-52. 


our  Lord   wish   to   bring  out  by  this   com- 
parison?   Was  hidden  treasure  often  found 
To  what  is  the  kingdom  likened  in  v.  44?      in   the    country   in   which    He   spoke   these 
What  point  m  regard  to  the  kingdom  did      words?     How   did  the  man   come  to  find 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.     Finding  without   seeking,  v.  44. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


the  treasure  ?  What  truth  does  that  teach  ? 
What  does  the  field  represent  in  the  par- 
able of  the  tares  (v.  38)  ?  Doesn't  the  fact 
that  the  field  means  the  world  in  one 
parable  necessitate  our  interpreting  it  as 
the  world  in  another  parable?  (Compare 
V.  44  with  V.  52,  where  the  "treasure"  mani- 
festly does  not  mean  the  same  if  we  accept 
the  interpretation  of  v.  44  that  makes  the 
field  the  world;  and  Matt.  25:14  with  Luke 
15:13,  in  both  of  which  "far  country"  is 
mentioned  in  opposite  senses.) 

Is  what  a  man  gives  up  when  he  "gains 
Christ"  much  in  comparison  with  what 
he  gets?  What  must  a  man  be  willing  to 
give  up?  (Luke  14:33.)  Suppose  this 
man  had  refused  to  sell  his  all,  what  would 
he  have   lost?     Suppose  we   refuse  to   part 


with  our  all,  what  will  we  lose?  Will 
that  pay?  (Mark  8:36.)  Is  it  likely 
that  this  man  after  he  got  this  treasure 
talked  very  much  of  the  "sacrifices"  he 
had  to  make  in  order  to  acquire  it?  Will 
any  one  who  has  really  found  and  appre- 
ciates the  treasure  there  is  in  Christ  talk 
very  much  of  the  sacrifices  he  made  to 
gain  it  ? 

How  do  you  reconcile  this  parable  with 
such  passages  as  Eph.  2 :8 ;  Ro.  6 :23  ?  Are 
there  any  other  passages  in  the  Bible  in 
which  the  word  "buy"  is  used  to  express 
our  acquiring  the  treasures  of  grace?  (Is. 
55:1;  Rev.  3:18;  Prov.  23:23;  Matt.  25:9, 
10.)  Who  sought  a  treasure  in  this  world 
and  to  gain  it  gave  up  all  He  had?  (2 
Cor.   8:9;    Heb.    12:2.) 


Note.  ..There   are   two   interpretations   of  this  parable,  the  comparative  force  of  which 
may  best  be  seen  by  the  following  arrange  ment : 


Parable. 
I.  Treasure. 


The    field. 
Hid. 


4.     A  man. 


5.  Hath  found. 


First   interpretation.  Second  interpretation. 

Israel,     Ex.     19:5.      (Some    The    treasures    in    Christ,    i.     e.,    heavenly 
say  the   church.)  treasure,     Matt.    6:19,    21;    treasures    of 

wisdom   and  knowledge,   Col.   3 :3 ;   Prov. 
2:4;    16:16;   2   Cor.   4:6,   7;   eternal   life, 
I   John  5  :ii,   12. 
The  world,  v.  38.  Christ,   Col.   2:3. 

Original     insignificance     of    Hid   in   Christ,   Col.   2:3,      See   also   2   Cor. 
Israel       (in       Abraham's       4:3,  4,  6. 
loins    visible   to    God    but 
not  to  the  world). 
Jesus,    V.    2)7-      It    was    God   Any  one  who  stumbles  upon  the  treasures 
who    found    Israel.  in    Christ,    for    instance    Nathanael,   John 

1:46,  49;  the  woman,  John  4:7. 
God's    discovery    of    Israel    The     discovery    of     the    treasures    hid    in 
in    Abraham    (should    be        Christ,  John  4:28-30. 
Jacob,    if    the    interpreta- 
tion   is    to    be    accurate). 
Was    God's    discovery   of 
Israel  accidental  and  sur- 
prising    as     in     parable 
(Ro.   10:20)  ? 


90 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Parable.  First  Interfrelation. 

6.  He  hideth.        Jesus  scatters  Israel  among 

the  nations,  and  so  hides. 

7.  The  joy  Joy  over  Israel. 

thereof. 

8.  Goeth  and  sell-  Christ's    sacrifice    of    all,    2 

eth    all    that      Cor.  8:9;   Phil.  2:6,  etc. 
he  hath. 

9.  Buyeth   the         Redeems  the  world  to  gain 

field.  Israel. 


Second  Interpretation. 

The  precaution  exercised  by  the  one  who 
has  just  found  the  treasure  not  to  lose 
it,  2  John  8;  Rev.  3:11;  2:25. 

Joy  in  the  heavenly  treasure  found  in 
Christ,  Acts  8:8;  16:34;  John  1:41;  Phil. 
3:8. 

Sacrifice  of  all  to  gain  Christ,  Phil.  3:8, 
R.  v.;  Matt.  19:21,  27,  29;  Luke  14:33; 
Heb.    10:34. 

A  common  Biblical  expression  for  acquir- 
ing the  treasures  of  grace  and  in  this 
parable  with  especial  reference  to  the 
cost,  "all  that  he  hath."  Luke  14:28,  2,y, 
Matt.  19:21,  2-],  29;  Phil.  3:5,  8. 


The  first  interpretation  is  based  upon 
the  use  of  the  word  "treasure"  as  applied 
to  Israel  in  Ex.  19:5  and  parallel  pas- 
sages, but  the  Hebrew  word  segnllah  used 
there  is  not  the  equivalent  of  the  Greek 
word  thesauros  used  in  our  parable  but 
of  the  word  peripoicsis,  by  which  it  is 
translated  in  i  Peter  2  \g — a  quotation 
from  the  O.  T.  passages  regarding  Israel. 
It  does  not  mean  "treasure"  but  "posses- 
sion" (see  R.  v.).  The  Greek  word 
thesauros  is  used  18  times  in  the  N.  T., 
12  times  of  the  treasures  that  come  through 
Christ,  4  times  of  the  treasures  of  the 
heart,  the  remaining  2  times  in  the  ordinary 
sense  of  material  treasures.  It  is  never 
used  of  Israel. 

2.     Seeking  and  finding,  vv.  45,  46. 

To  what  is  the  judgment  of  heaven 
likened  in  vv.  45,  46?  What  is  repre- 
sented by  the  pearls  sought?  (Job  28:12, 
13,  15.  18;  c.  7:6.)  What  by  the  one 
pearl  found?  (John  14:6.)  What  kind  of 
a  pearl  is  it?  How  did  the  man  come  to 
find  it?  How  does  this  case  differ  from 
that  of  the  preceding  parable?  Did  the 
man   in  v.  44  buy   the    field    for   itself   or 


for  what  was  in  it?  For  what  did  the 
man  buy  the  pearl?  Do  men  ever  seek 
to  gain  Christ  for  what  they  get  in  Him? 
(Matt.  19:27;  Phil.  3:8.)  Do  men  ever 
value  Christ  for  what  He  is  Himself? 
What  did  this  man  seeking  goodly  pearls 
need  to  be  on  his  guard  against?  Any 
lesson  in  that?  Did  the  man  do  wisely 
when  he  sold  all  his  other  pearls  to  gain 
this  one  pearl?  Do  we  do  wisely  when 
we  part  with  all  other  pearls  to  gain  the 
"one  pearl  of  great  price"?  Was  it  any 
hardship  for  the  man  to  give  up  the  in- 
ferior pearls?  Will  it  be  hard  for  us 
when  we  appreciate  what  a  priceless  pearl 
Christ  is?  What  if  he  had  clung  to  the 
pearls  he  had?  When  the  man  was  seek- 
ing did  he  expect  to  find  one  pearl  or 
many?  Why  did  he  rest  content  with 
one?  Why  are  Christians  content  with  one 
pearl?  What  are  the  points  of  difference 
between  this  parable  and  the  preceding 
one? 

3.     Gathering  of  every  kind,  vv.  47-50. 

To  what  is  the  kingdom  compared  in 
V.  47?  In  what  respect  is  it  like  the  net 
cast  into   the   sea?     What   is   the    sea   into 


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91 


which  it  is  cast?  What  is  done  when  the 
net  is  full?  When  will  the  net  be  full? 
Who  are  represented  by  the  bad  fish?  (v. 
38.)  Who  by  the  good  fish?  What  is 
done  with  the  bad  fish?  With  the  good 
fish?  What  thought  is  represented  by 
their  being  gathered  into  vessels?  When 
does  the  separation  take  place  (v4g)  ? 
Who  will  do  the  separating?  What  is 
represented  by  the  furnace  of  fire?  (See 
questions  on  Lesson  39.)  What  thought 
is  set  forth  in  their  weeping?  In  their 
gnashing  of  teeth? 

4.  Giving  forth  the  treasure  found,  vv 
5h  52. 

What  question  did  our  Lord  put  as  He 
brought  to  a  close  the  seven  parables? 
Why  was  He  anxious  they  should  under- 
stand (v.  19)  ?  Is  He  equally  anxious  that 
we  should  understand  His  teaching? 
How  can  we?  (i  John  5:20;  Jas.  1:5; 
I  Cor.  2:14.)  What  did  the  disciples 
answer?  Was  that  true?  Were  they  quick 
to  understand?  (Matt.  i6:ii;  Mark  7:18; 
9:31,  32;  8:15.)  Do  we  always  under- 
stand when  we  think  we  do?  How  does 
our   Lord   say  that  one  who   is  truly   "in- 


structed unto  the  kingdom"  will  show  it? 
If  we  are  not  imparting  this  treasure  to 
others  is  it  probable  that  we  have  it  our- 
selves? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord. 

(i)     What  He  is: 
The    One    in    whom    are   treasures     of 
priceless  value,  44;   the  one  pearl  of 
great  price,  46. 

(2)  How  He  is  found: 

The  treasure  in  Him  is  hidden  from 
the  eye,  is  stumbled  upon  by  those 
who  know  not  of  it  and  seek  not 
for  it,  44 ;  He  is  found  as  the  one 
pearl  by  those  diligently  seeking 
goodly  pearls,  45,  46. 

(3)  How  He  is  gained: 

To  gain  Christ  all  else  must  be  sur- 
rendered; the  treasure  there  is  in 
Him  and  the  priceless  pearl  He  Him- 
self is  are  incomparable,  more  pre- 
cious than  all  earthly  good,  44-46. 
2.     The  kingdom  of  heaven. 

A  net  that  gathers  all  kinds,  47;  will 
be  filled  with  good  and  bad,  48; 
there  will  be  a  separation  at  the  end 
of  the  age,  49. 


LESSON  42. 

Our  Lord  Stilling  the  Tempest.    Mark  4 :35-4L   (Compare  Matthew  8 : 
18-27;  Luke  8:22-25.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.    Ecce  Homo!  vv.  35-39. 

What  sort  of  day  in  the  life  of  our 
Lord  had  it  been?  What  did  He  say  to 
His  disciples  at  its  close?  Why  did  He 
wish  to  go  to  the  other  side?  (5:1-20.) 
Why  did  He  not  go  before  evening?  When 
even  came  after  so  busy  a  day  what  would 
He  have  done  if  He  had  followed  the 
promptings   of  nature    (v.  38)  ?     Why  did 


He  not  do  that?  Did  He  spend  much 
time  on  that  other  side?  (5:17,  18.)  Did 
He  make  many  converts  over  there?  Did 
He  not  make  a  mistake  in  going?  Did 
He  feel  repaid  for  His  trouble?  (5:15, 
20.) 

How  many  did  He  leave  behind  Him? 
How  many  did  He  minister  to  on  the 
other  side?  Does  God  ever  call  His  serv- 
ants to  leave  a  multitude  in  order  to 
minister    to    just    one    soul?      (Acts   8:6^ 


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26-29.)  What  is  meant  by  the  expression 
"even  as  He  was"  in  v.  36?  Were  the 
people  willing  to  give  our  Lord  up? 

What  occurred  when  they  got  out  into 
the  lake?  From  whom  did  that  storm 
come?  (Job  1:12,  19;  Ps.  107:24,  25; 
John  1:4.)  How  severe  was  it?  Was 
there  any  real  danger  that  the  boat  would 
go  down?  Why  not?  How  far  can  the 
devil  go  in  his  attempts  to  destroy  or 
injure  God's  servants?  (Job  1:10-12; 
2:4-6.)  Until  when  is  a  servant  of  God 
perfectly  safe  from  all  Satan's  attempts 
to  put  him  out  of  the  way?  (John  7:30.) 
Need  we  then  have  any  fear  in  the  face 
of  the  most  imminent  peril? 

What  was  our  Lord  doing  all  this  time? 
Why  did  He  go  to  sleep?  (John  1:14; 
Phil.  2:6-8;  Heb.  2:17;  4:15;  John  4:6.) 
Was  His  human  nature  real  or  only  ap- 
parent? When  did  He  take  His  rest? 
How  had  He  become  so  weary?  Do  many 
Christian  workers  weary  themselves  as  our 
Lord  did  with  incessant  toil  for  God  or 
perishing  men?  How  could  He  sleep  at 
such  time  and  in  such  place?  (Ps.  3:5, 
6;  Ps.  127:2.)  Ought  not  He  to  have 
remained  awake  and  kept  on  the  watch 
for  the  perils  that  might  arise  on  the 
voyage?  (i  Peter  5:7.)  What  did  the 
disciples  do  in  their  apparent  danger? 
What  ought  we  to  do  when  in  trouble? 
(Ps.  50:15.)  Was  there  any  wrong  in 
the  way  in  which  they  addressed  our  Lord? 
Was  He  indifferent  to  their  safety?  (John 
18:8,  9;  10: 1 1.)  Does  He  care  if  we 
perish?  (John  3:16;  Matt.  23:37.)  Does 
it  ever  seem  as  if  the  Lord  had  forgotten 
His  servants  or  was  indifferent  to  their 
welfare?  (Ps.  10:1;  22:1,  2;  77  7-10.) 
Does  He  forget?     (Is.  49:14,  iS-) 

2.    Ecce  Deus!  vv.  39-4^- 

What  did  our  Lord  now  do?     Was  He 


excited?  Was  He  ever  excited?  (John 
20:6,  7.)  What  is  the  literal  meaning  of 
the  words  translated  "Peace,  be  still"  ?  Did 
He  use  many  words?  Why  was  it  neces- 
sary to  speak  to  the  sea  as  well  as  to 
the  wind?  Why  did  He  rebuke  the  wind? 
What  else  is  He  recorded  as  rebuking? 
(Mark  9:25;  Luke  4:39.)  Did  He  ask 
God  to  make  the  wind  stop  blowing  and 
the  waves  to  cease  raging?  Why  not? 
What  was  the  effect  of  His  bare  word? 
Who  does  this  show  Him  to  be?  (Ps. 
107:29;  89:9.)  If  Satan  raised  this  storm 
what  relation  between  Satan  and  the  word 
of  Jesus  does  this  verse  show  to  exist?  Do 
we  see  the  power  of  Satan  anywhere  else 
subject  to  the  bare  word  of  Jesus?  (5:8, 
10.)  What  was  all  that  Satan  had  suc- 
ceeded in  doing  by  raising  the  storm? 
Did  our  Lord  perform  this  miracle  to 
secure  His  own  safety?  Did  He  ever 
perform  a  miracle  to  protect  or  provide 
for  Himself?  If  we  wish  "a  great  calm" 
after  the  tempests  that  sweep  over  our 
souls  how  can  we  find  it?  Where  else 
did  our  Lord  administer  a  rebuke  besides 
to  the  wind? 

What  was  it  in  the  disciples  that  He 
rebuked?  What  change  does  the  Revised 
Version  make  in  His  words?  Was  it  not 
natural  that  they  should  be  afraid?  Was 
it  justifiable?  Were  they  in  any  real  peril? 
What  made  it  certain  that  they  would 
reach  the  other  side  in  safety  (v.  35)  ? 
When  our  Lord  calls  us  to  go  to  any 
place  and  we  start  at  His  command  is 
there  any  uncertainty  about  our  getting 
there?  Has  a  believer  ever  any  right  to 
be  fearful?  (Ps.  46:1-3;  27:1-3;  Is.  41:10; 
43:1,  2.)  What  is  the  great  cure  for  fear? 
(John  14:1;  Is.  12:2;  26:3;  Ps.  56:3.) 
What  then  did  the  fearfulness  of  the  dis- 


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ciples  reveal?  If  they  had  really  believed 
in  our  Lord  and  appreciated  Him  would 
they  have  been  afraid?  If  we  really  be- 
lieve in  and  appreciate  Him  will  we  ever 
be  afraid?  Was  it  time  the  disciples  had 
faith?  By  what  word  did  our  Lord  bring 
that  out?  (R.  V.)  Is  there  ever  occasion 
for  Him  to  put  that  question  to  us?  Was 
it  often  necessary  for  Him  to  rebuke  the 
unbelief  of  His  disciples?  (Matt.  14:31; 
6:30;    16:8.) 

What  was  the  effect  of  all  this  upon 
the  disciples?  What  kind  of  fear  was 
this?  What  question  did  they  put  to  one 
another?  (R.  V.)  What  is  the  true 
answer  to  that  question?     (Ps.  89:9.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

7.     Our  Lord. 

(i)     His    nature: 
His   true   humanity,    38;    true    divinity, 
39,  41- 

(2)  His  word  : 

Its     power,      directness      and      brevity, 
39,  40. 

(3)  His   character: 

Unwearying  zeal  in  well-doing,  35 ;  un- 
ruffled calmness  in  great  crises,  un- 
approachable dignity,  39. 

(4)  What  He  suffered: 

Exposure  to  tempest,  37;  misunder- 
standing,     extreme      weariness,      re- 


proach,   38 ;    disappointment    at    the 
unbelief  of  His  disciples,  40. 

(5)  What  He  did: 
Forgot  His  own  weariness  in  others' 
need,  35 ;  attracted  multitudes  to 
Himself,  left  the  admiring  multitudes 
to  minister  to  one  wretched  demo- 
niac, 36;  seemed  at  times  to  forget 
His  disciples,  38;  never  did  forget 
them,  gave  deliverance  at  the  last 
moment,  turned  the  wild  storm  into 
a  great  calm,  39;  rebuked  the  fear- 
fulness  and  unbelief  of  His  dis- 
ciples, 40. 
2.     The  disciples. 

(i)     What   they  enjoyed: 
Perfect  security  in  the  face  of  apparent 
danger,  37,  40. 

(2)  The  foolish  things  they  did : 
Misunderstood,   reproached  their   Mas- 
ter,   38;    indulged    in    unbelief,    gave 
way  to  fear,  40. 

(3)  The  wise    things  they  did: 
Called  on  our  Lord  in  their  peril,  38; 

recognized  His  divinity,  41. 
S.     Three  rebukes. 

The  disciples  rebuked  our  Lord  for 
His  imagined  neglect  of  their  safety, 
38;  our  Lord  rebuked  the  disciples 
for  their  real  unbelief,  40;  our  Lord 
rebuked  the  wind,  39. 


LESSON  43. 

Our   Lord   and   the   Gadarene    Demoniac.     Mark   5:1-20.      (Compare 
Matthew  8:28-34;   Luke  8:26-39.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.    In  Satan's  power,  vv.  1-13. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  lesson  laid? 
Was  it  a  very  godly  neighborhood?  Is 
there  anything  fitting  that  this  extreme  in- 
stance    of     the     degradation     and     misery 


caused  by  Satan's  power  should  be  found 
in  such  a  locality?  What  time  of  day  was 
it  when  they  reached  Gergesa?  (4:35-37.) 
By  whom  was  our  Lord  met  as  they  left 
their  boat?  What  was  his  condition? 
(Matt.  8:28;  Luke  8:27.)     In  this  fearful 


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picture  of  the  demonized  man,  what  do  jou 
see  illustrated?  Of  what  future  state  of 
existence  does  it  give  us  a  slight  hint? 
What  had  men  ineffectually  attempted  to 
do?  In  what  brief  clause  is  the  result  of 
these  attempts  summed  up?  Could  anyone 
tame  him?  If  "no  man  could  tame  him," 
and  our  Lord  tamed  him,  who  then  was 
our  Lord?  By  what  means  had  men  en- 
deavored to  tame  him?  By  what  means 
did  our  Lord  tame  him?  Which  is  most 
effectual — the  force  and  chains  of  men  or 
the  love  and  word  of  our  Lord?  Does  it 
prove  because  a  man  today  cannot  be  sub- 
dued by  man's  force  that  he  cannot  be 
subdued  by  our  Lord's  love? 

When  the  demonized  man  saw  our  Lord, 
what  did  he  do  ?  What  had  he  usually  done 
when  he  saw  men  approach  him?  (Matt. 
8:28.)  Was  it  the  man's  overmastering 
sense  of  need,  or  the  demons  within,  that 
brought  him  to  the  feet  of  our  Lord  ? 
What  evidence  is  there  in  v.  7  that  there 
was  a  superhuman  intelligence  within  the 
man?  What  is  indicated  by  his  words  as 
to  the  moral  character  of  this  indwelling 
being?  Do  w^e  ever  nowadays  see  a  person 
drawn  (as  this  man  was)  now  toward  the 
divine  and  again  toward  the  devilish  by 
mighty  contending  forces  within?  How  do 
you  account  for  that?  What  words  does 
Matthew  add  to  the  demon's  prayer  "Tor- 
ment me  not"?  (Matt.  8:29.)  What  is  in- 
dicated by  that  addition?  Why  did  the 
demons  offer  this  prayer  to  our  Lord? 

What  did  our  Lord  ask  the  man?  Was 
it  the  man's  or  the  demon's  name  that  He 
asked?  (Luke  8:30.)  When  did  He  ask 
him  his  name?  For  whom  did  the  man 
answer?  What  is  the  explanation  of  that? 
How  did  the  demons  further  show  their 
cowering,  cringing  and  malicious  nature? 
How  does  Luke  put  their  prayer?     (Luke 


8:31,  R.  V.)  What  is  the  "abyss"  into 
which  they  feared  they  should  be  sent? 
(Rev.  20:2,  3,  R.  V.) 

Where  did  the  demons  ask  that  they 
might  go?  What  is  indicated  by  this  as  to 
the  character  of  their  subjection  to  the  will 
and  word  of  our  Lord  ?  Is  there  anything 
encouraging  in  that?  Did  He  permit  them 
to  go  into  the  swine?  Was  that  right  on 
His  part?  (Lev.  11  7,  8.)  Did  He  send  the 
demons  into  the  swine  or  simply  give  them 
leave  to  go?  Ought  He  not  to  have  exer- 
cised His  supernatural  powers  to  protect  the 
illegal  property  of  these  men?  What  be- 
came of  the  swine?  What  made  them  do 
that?  Which  had  most  willingly  submitted 
to  the  indwelling  of  demons,  the  hogs  or 
the  man?  Do  men  nowadays  ever  volun- 
tarily surrender  themselves  to  the  power  of 
the  devil  in  a  way  a  hog  would  not  ?  Were 
there  really  demons  in  this  man,  or  did  he 
only  imagine  so? 
2.     At  the  feet  of  our  Lord,  vv.  14-18. 

What  did  the  keepers  of  the  swine  do? 
Why?  In  which  were  those  who  heard 
most  interested— the  good  which  had  come 
to  the  man,  or  the  harm  which  had  come 
to  the  swine?  What  did  those  who  heard 
do?  Why?  What  wonderful  sight  greeted 
their  eyes?  What  had  wrought  this  mar- 
velous change?  Would  the  bare  word  of 
a  mere  man  have  wrought  such  a  change? 
Does  our  Lord  work  any  such  changes  in 
men  today?  What  sort  of  a  spirit  do  we 
receive  from  Him?  (2  Tim.  17.)  Where 
did  this  formerly  naked  demoniac  get  his 
clothes  ? 

What  would  one  naturally  suppose  would 
be  the  effect  of  such  a  sight  upon  the  be- 
holders? What  was  the  actual  effect? 
Why  were  they  afraid?  What  singular 
prayer  did  they  offer  to  our  Lord?  Do 
men    ever    offer    that    prayer    nowadays? 


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Why  did  they  make  this  request?  (Luke 
8:37;  Deut.  5:25;  Job  21  :  13-15.)  Who  had 
given  utterance  to  a  similar  prayer  earlier 
in  the  chapter?  (v.  7.)  Which  of  the 
apostles  had  once  oflfered  a  similar  prayer 
to  Jesus?  (Luke  5:8.)  How  did  Peter's 
prayer  differ  from  that  of  these  Gergesenes  ? 
(Luke  5:9-11.)  Did  our  Lord  do  as  these 
Gergesenes  wished?  What  lesson  is  there  in 
that?  What  very  different  prayer  did  the 
restored  demoniac  offer?  Why  did  he  wish 
to  be  with  our  Lord?     (Phil,  i  :23.) 

J.     Witnessing  for  our  Lord,  vv.  ig,  20. 

Did  He  grant  the  saved  man's  request? 
Why  not?  Why  is  it  that  Christ  often- 
times does  not  permit  His  longing  disciples 
"to  depart  and  be  with  Him"?  (Phil.  1:23, 
24.)  What  did  he  tell  this  man  to  do? 
Where  was  he  to  testify  first  of  all?  Is 
there  any  lesson  in  that  for  us?  What 
was  he  to  tell  his  friends?  What  should 
be  the  substance  of  our  testimony?  Why 
did  our  Lord  in  this  case  bid  the  man  to 
testify,  while  in  previous  instances  He  had 
bidden  others  to  say  nothing  to  any  man? 
Ordinarily  does  He  wish  us  to  testify  of 
our  blessings  received?  (Ro.  10:10;  Ps. 
66:16.)  As  what  does  He  wish  newly  saved 
men  to  go  out,  teachers  or  witnesses?  How 
did  the  man  show  the  genuineness  of  his 
gratitude?  What  would  we  think  of  this 
man  if  after  our  Lord  had  done  so  great 
things  for  him,  and  bidden  him  go  tell  it, 
he  had  kept  it  to  himself?  Is  it  probable 
that  his  testimony  was  always  favorably 
received?  Would  he  stop  testifying  on  that 
account?  Would  it  be  very  pleasant  to 
tell  how  degraded  he  had  been?  Why 
ought  he  still  to  do  it?  Would  he  tell  it 
in  a  boasting  way,  as  if  he  were  proud  of 
it  ?  Who  was  it,  he  would  say  had  wrought 
the  change?  Would  he  take  any  credit  to 
himself?     Where  did  he  tell  it?     Did  our 


Lord  ever  visit  Decapolis  again?  (7:31.) 
Who  had  prepared  the  way  for  this  second 
visit? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

(i)  What  He  was: 
Divine:  (a)  the  unwilling  testimony 
of  demons,  7;  (b)  the  testimony  of 
deeds,  4,  15;  compassionate — toward 
Satan's  victim,  8;  toward  those  who 
did  not  want  Him,  19;  long-suffer- 
ing: they  asked  Him  to  depart  but 
He  left  a  witness,  19;  omnipotent: 
can  subdue  by  His  mere  word  those 
whom  human  force  cannot  tame,  3, 
4,  14;  absolute  power  and  authority 
over  demons,  7-13;  feared:  by  de- 
mons, 7;  by  ungodly  men,  17;  His 
companionship  more  desirable  to  the 
saved  man  than  that  of  all  earthly 
friends,   18. 

(2)  W^hat  He  did: 
Had  mercy  upon  a  poor  outcast,  19; 
saved  one  of  whom  men  despaired. 
15 ;  transformed  a  fierce,  indecent, 
untamable,  self-torturing  demoniac 
into  a  self-possessed,  gentle,  teach- 
able, faithful  pupil  and  witness,  15, 
20;  did  not  protect  illegitimate  prop- 
erty, 13 ;  departed  from  those  who 
did  not  desire  Him,   18. 

2.  The  demoniac. 
(i)     What  he  was  : 

In  Satan's  power,  1-5 ;  possessed  of  a 
legion  of  demons,  2,  9;  deluded,  his 
identity  lost  in  that  of  the  indwelling 
demons,  7,  9;  indecent,  15;  fierce,  un- 
tamable, an  inhabitant  of  the  tombs, 
3 ;  self-torturing,  in  agony  night  and 
day,  5. 
(2)     What  he  did: 

Saw  our  Lord,  ran  to  Him,  kneeled  to 
Him.  6. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


(3)  What  happened  to  him: 

Our  Lord  had  mercy  upon  him,  19; 
banished  the  demons  from  him,  8. 

(4)  The  result : 

He  became  calm,  sane,  clothed,  joyous, 
14;  grateful,  18-20;  desired  to  be 
with  our  Lord  always,  18;  at  His 
word  remained  behind  as  a  witness, 
testified    to    his    friends    first,    then 


throughout  the  country,  and  always 
of  what  our  Lord  had  done,    19,  20. 

The  devil  and  demons. 

Malignant,  3-5 ;  cringing,  10 ;  appre- 
hensive of  coming  doom,  7;  self-de- 
structive, 13;  absolutely  subject  to 
Jesus'  power  and  word,  cannot  even 
enter  into  hogs  without  His  permis- 
sion, 7,  8,  12 ;  take  possession  of  men, 
drive    men    mad,    torment    men,   2-5, 


LESSON  44. 

Our  Lord  and  the  Woman  Who  Had  the  Issue  of  Blood.     Mark  5 :24-34. 
(Compare  Matthew  9 :20-22 ;  Luke  8 :43-48.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

1.  In  need  of  a  Saviour,  vv.  24-26. 

Whither  was  Christ  going  in  the  open- 
ing verse  of  the  lesson?  What  does  He 
do  by  the  way?  What  lesson  is  in  that? 
What  was  the  condition  of  this  woman? 
In  what  way  did  this  issue  of  blood  injure 
her?  (Lev.  15:19,  20.)  In  what  way  was 
this  sickness  a  type  of  sin?  How  long  had 
she  been  thus  affHcted?  Whom  did  she 
need?  Whom  does  the  sinner  need?  Did 
not  the  long  continuance  of  her  plague 
make  her  case  hopeless?  (Luke  13:16;  John 
5:5.  8,  9;  Acts  4:22,  26.)  To  whom  had 
this  woman  been  for  relief?  Had  she  got 
it?  Is  it  ever  the  case  nowadays  that  our 
Lord  heals  those  whom  no  human  skill  can 
help?  If  this  sickness  is  a  type  of  sin, 
of  whom  are  these  baffled  physicians  a 
type?  Was  there  any  help  for  her?  When 
man's  help  is  vain  whither  should  we  look? 
(Ps.  108:12.)  Why  did  this  woman  come 
to  our  Lord? 

2.  Coming  to  our  Lord,  w.  27-29. 
What  prompted  her  to  come  to  our  Lord? 

If  we  want  people  to  come  to  Him  as  their 
Healer,  Helper  and  Saviour,  what  ought  we 
to  do?  Did  the  mere  hearing  about  Him 
save  her?     What  was  the  connecting  link 


between  the  hearing  and  coming?  What 
must  hearing  always  be  mixed  with  to  profit 
any  one?  (Heb.  4:2.)  What  was  the  wo- 
man's plan  for  getting  the  desired  heal- 
ing? What  was  there  wrong  in  her 
thought?  What  was  there  wrong  in  her 
purpose?  What  was  there  right?  Did  her 
mistake  shut  her  out  of  the  blessing? 
Which    is    better — heart    faith    mixed    with 


errors  that  nevertheless  brings  one  to  Je- 
sus, or  views  that  are  correct  but  entirely 
Was  the  thought 


a  matter  of  the  head? 
that  that  which  belongs  to  Jesus  (as,  for 
instance.  His  garment)  had  something  of 
His  power  in  it,  altogether  mistaken? 
(Matt.  14:36;  Acts  5:15,  16;  19:12.) 

What  was  the  effect  of  that  touch?  How 
prompt  was  the  going  forth  of  healing 
power?  What  was  there  about  that  touch 
that  brought  so  prompt  a  blessing?  How 
complete  was  the  cure?  How  did  the  wo- 
man know  she  was  cured?  Was  the  cure 
the  effect  of  imagination? 

3.    Confessing  the  Saviour,  vv.  30-34. 

Did  she  expect  our  Lord  to  know  about 
this  cure?  Did  He?  How  soon?  Why? 
What  did  He  do?  What  did  He  do  that 
for?  (Ro.  10:10.)  Why  were  the  disci- 
ples surprised  at  His  question?     Was  there 


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97 


anything  unreasonable  in  it?  What  two 
different  ways  are  there  of  touching  Him? 
Are  there  any  nowadays  who  "throng" 
Him  but  do  not  "touch"  Him?  What  was 
His  answer  to  the  disciples?  (Luke  8:46.) 
What  did  that  answer  imply? 

Did  the  woman  at  first  confess  what  she 
had  done?  (Luke  8:45.)  Did  He  let  her 
go  without  confessing  the  blessing  she  had 
received?  Whj'  not?  Any  lesson  in  this? 
Why  did  she  come  at  last  and  confess  all? 
(Luke  8:47.)  How  did  she  come?  Why 
trembling  and  fearing?  In  which  did  she 
have  most  confidence — our  Lord's  power 
or  His  love?  How  is  it  with  men  today? 
How  much  did  she  tell?  How  much  does 
our  Lord  want  us  to  tell?  Whom  did  she 
tell?  Didn't  He  know  it  already?  Why 
then  did  He  want  her  to  tell  it?  When 
He  has  healed  or  helped  us,  what  should  be 
our  feeling  about  telling  it  to  others?  (Ps. 
66:16.)  What  was  His  response?  Wasn't 
that  comforting?  Would  she  have  received 
that  benediction  if  she  had  not  publicly 
confessed  the  blessing  received?  Why  is 
it  nowadays  that  many  who  have  received 
Christ  do  not  get  the  light?  By  what  title 
does  He  call  her?  Did  He  ever  address 
any  other  woman  so?  Why  did  He  address 
her?  (Matt.  12:20.)  What  did  He  say 
had  saved  her?  Just  what  was  her  faith? 
How  did  it  save  (v.  30)  ?  What  is  the 
literal  translation  of  "Go  in  peace"?  What 
does  it  mean?  How  may  we  too  "go  into 
peace"  and  be  whole  of  our  plagues? 
(Phil.  4:6,  7.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

(i)     What  He  shows: 
His  deity,  25-34 ;  humanity,  30 ;  omnipo- 
tence,   26-34;    attractiveness    to    the 
multitude,  24;   to  the  needy,  25,  27; 
compassion  on  the  needy,  24-26;   on 


the  ignorant,  28;  on  the  fearful,  ;i2, 
34;  tenderness  ("Daughter"),  34; 
self-sacrifice,  30;  unwearying  activi- 
ty— never  so  busy  with  one  man's 
distress  but  that  He  had  time  to  help 
another  by  the  way,  24,  25. 

(2)  What  He  does: 
Draws  the  multitudes  to  Himself,  re- 
sponds to  every  sincere  cry  for  help, 
24;  heals  those  whom  no  human  skill 
can  reach,  25,  26,  29;  heals  others  at 
the  sacrifice  of  His  own  strength,  de- 
mands confession,  30;  searches  out 
those  whom  He  has  blessed  that  they 
may  confess,  33;  and  receive  larger 
blessing,  34;  comforts  the  broken 
hearted,  gives  peace  to  those  who 
are  trembling  and  afraid,  33,  34. 
2.     The  woman. 

(i)  Her  condition: 
A  great  sufferer,  26;  defiled,  outcast, 
friendless,  her  trouble  of  many 
years'  standing,  25;  penniless,  had 
sought  help  in  many  places  in  vain, 
no  help  from  man,  getting  worse, 
despairing,  no  one  to  go  to  but  our 
Lord,  26. 

(2)  What  she  did: 

Heard  of  our  Lord,  believed  what  she 
heard,  had  an  ignorant  and  imper- 
fect, but  genuine  faith,  came  to  Him, 
27;  trusted  in  His  power  to  help, 
28;  touched  Him  with  the  touch  of 
faith,  30;  trembled  and  feared  even 
after  she  had  received  the  blessing, 
confessed  her  condition,  confessed 
her  Saviour,  fell  at  His  feet,  "told 
Him  all  the  truth,"  33;  had  more 
faith  in  His  power  than  in  His  pity, 
27,  28,  33;  found  Him  as  divinely 
compassionate  as  He  was  divinely 
powerful,  34. 

(3)  What  she  got: 

Healing,  complete,  immediate,  29;  com- 


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fort,     assurance,    peace,     commenda- 
tion, 29,  34. 
(4)     Contrasts : 
Tried    to    steal    the    blessing    and    felt 
guilty,    confessed    the    blessing    and 
found  peace,  33,  34;  came  an  outcast 
of  men,  Christ  called  her  "Daughter," 
25,  34. 
Faith. 
(i)     What  it  is: 
Confidence  that  our  Lord  can  and  will 
save,  28. 
(2)     How  it  is  begotten: 
A  sense  of  dire  need  of  Jesus  prepares 


the  way,  25,  26;  hearing  of  Him  be- 
gets it,  27;  contact  with  Him  con- 
firms it,  33,  34. 

(3)  What  it  does: 

Comes  to  Him,  27;  touches  Him  with 
another  touch  than  that  of  mere  out- 
ward contact,  30;  confesses  Him,  33. 

(4)  What  it  gets: 

Healing,  29;  comfort,  assurance,  peace, 
commendation,   34. 

Confession. 

Demanded  by  Christ,  30,  32;  gladly 
given  by  those  who  appreciate  Him, 
33;   brings  larger  blessing,  34. 


LESSON  45. 

Our  Lord  and  the  Dauehter  of  Jairus.     Mark  5:21-23,  35-43.     (Compare 
Matthew  qTi,  18,  19,  23-26;  Luke  8:40-42,  49-56.) 

feet?  (Compare  Matt.  8:8  with  Luke  9:41 ; 
V.  23.)  Will  our  Lord  respond  to  imper- 
fect faith?  (vv.  28,  29.)  What  made  this 
case  a  peculiarly  touching  one?  How  many 
cases  of  resurrection  are  there  in  the  Bible? 
How  many  of  these  are  of  an  only  child? 

2.  Our  Lord  encouraging  the  fearful, 
"VV.  35,  36. 

How  had  He  been  delayed  by  the  way? 
What  had  occurred  during  this  delay? 
Was  He  now  too  late?  Is  He  ever  too 
late?  Does  He  ever  seem  too  late?  (John 
11:21.)  What  was  the  effect  produced 
upon  Jairus  by  the  intelligence  that  his 
daughter  was  dead?  What  was  it  that 
buoyed  up  his  sinking  faith?  To  whom 
must  we  look  to  buoy  up  our  sinking  faith? 
What  characteristic  of  our  Lord  is  illus- 
trated by  the  fact  that  He  not  only  re- 
sponds to  faith  but  sustains  sinking  faith? 
(Is.  42:3.)  What  did  He  say?  What 
cure  did  He  propose  for  fear?  Is  there 
any  other  passage  in  His  teachings  where 
faith  is  proposed  as  a  cure  for  fear? 
(John  14:1.)     What  does  fear  come  from? 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Our  Lord  sought  by  the  sorrowful, 
w.  21-23. 

What  brought  Jairus  to  our  Lord?  Does 
that  often  bring  men  to  Him?  Had  Jairus 
been  previously  well  disposed  toward  Him? 
How  did  he  manifest  his  earnestness  and 
the  thoroughness  of  the  humbling  of  his 
pride?  Is  that  a  good  place  to  get?  What 
proof  of  His  deity  is  there  in  the  fact  that 
our  Lord  received  this  homage?  (Com- 
pare Acts  10:25,  26;  Rev.  22:8,  9;  5:8.) 
What  was  Jairus'  prayer?  (Luke  8:41.) 
What  words  show  the  genuineness  and 
intensity  of  the  prayer?  Did  our  Lord 
go?  Will  He  come  to  our  houses  if  we 
ask  Him?  (Rev.  3:20.)  Why  did  Jairus 
wish  Him  to  come  to  his  house?  What  is 
the  wisest  thing  we  can  do  when  we  have 
any  sick  or  dying  in  our  homes?  Have  we 
any  dead  in  our  homes?  (Eph.  2:1.) 
What  would  we  better  do?  How  soon  did 
He  respond  to  this  ruler's  prayer?  (Matt. 
9:19.)  Is  He  as  ready  to  respond  today? 
(Heb.   13:8.)     Was  this  ruler's   faith  per- 


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99 


What  does  fearlessness  come  from?  (Is. 
26:3.)  What  is  the  only  thing  that  can 
drive  out  fear?  (Is.  12:2.)  What  promise 
did  our  Lord  put  underneath  Jairus'  sink- 
ing faith?  What  was  the  one  condition  of 
that  promise  being  fulfilled?  What  is  the 
one  condition  of  enjoyment  of  God's  prom- 
ises? (Mark  9:23.)  What  is  the  one 
thing  in  man  that  will  surmount  the  insur- 
mountable? (Mark  11:22,  23.)  Why  can 
faith  do  so  much?  What  must  faith  have 
to  rest  upon?  (Ro.  10:17.)  What  must 
we  do  if  we  would  see  the  glory  of  God? 
(John   11:40.) 

3.  Our  Lord  rebuking  the  ostentatiously 
sorrowful  and   the  scornful,  vv.   37-40. 

Why  did  oiir  Lord  let  no  one  go  with 
Him  save  Peter  and  James  and  John? 
(v.  43.)  Why  did  He  take  them  with 
Him?  (Luke  9:28;  Mark  14:33.)  What 
condition  of  affairs  did  He  find  in  the 
house?  (Matt.  9:23.)  Was  He  pleased? 
Is  He  pleased  when  we  make  great  lamen- 
tations over  departed  friends?  What  rea- 
son does  He  give  why  they  should  not 
make  such  ado?  Does  that  reason  hold 
for  those  of  our  friends  who  die?  (i  Thess. 
4:14;  Acts  7:60.) 

What  is  meant  by  "sleep"  as  applied 
to  the  dead?  Does  it  mean  a  state  of  un- 
consciousness ? 

How  did  the  people  receive  our  Lord's 
statement?  What  ground  had  they  for 
their  derision?  On  whose  side  were  com- 
mon-sense and  reason?  Were  they  right? 
What  was  the  only  ground  Jairus  had  for 
faith  that  she  merely  slept?  Who  came 
out  better  at  the  end?  When  we  have  com- 
mon-sense and  reason  on  one  side,  and  the 
word  of  Christ  on  the  other,  which  shall 
we  accept?  What  is  faith?  (Heb.  11  :i.) 
W^at  did  our  Lord  do  with  the  scorners? 
What  will  be  the  ultimate  treatment  of  all 
scorners?     (Rev.  21:8.) 


4.    Our  Lord  raising  the  dead,  vv.  41-43. 

When  He  had  put  the  scorners  out, 
what  did  our  Lord  next  do?  Did  He  ever 
take  any  one  else  by  the  hand?  (Mark 
1:31;  8:23;  9:27.)  What  was  the  result 
in  each  case?  Will  He  ever  take  any  of 
us  by  the  hand?  (Is.  41:13.)  What  rea- 
son was  there  why  He  might  have  hesitated 
about  taking  her  by  the  hand?  (Num.  19: 
II.)  Why  did  He  do  it?  What  else  did 
He  do?  To  what  did  He  call?  What  was 
it  that  responded?  (Luke  8:55.)  Was  the 
departed  spirit  of  the  girl  capable  of  hear- 
ing His  call?  Was  it  conscious?  How 
did  He  address  it?  (  Luke  8:54.)  Where 
then  did  the  real  personality  of  the  girl 
exist?  From  what  place  did  her  spirit 
return?  (Eccl.  12:7;  Luke  23:43;  Phil. 
1:23;  2  Cor.  5:6,  8.)  What  was  the  re- 
sult? What  is  natural  death  ?  What  power 
was  it  brought  resurrection?  With  how 
many  will  the  voice  of  our  Lord  have 
power  to  bring  resurrection?  (John  5:28, 
29.) 

How  soon  did  the  dead  girl  arise? 
What  direction  did  He  give  concerning 
her?  When  one  has  been  raised  by  the 
voice  of  Christ  from  spiritual  death,  what 
is  our  first  duty  regarding  him?  What 
shall  we  give  him  to  eat?  (i  Peter  2:2.) 
Suppose  the  girl  had  not  been  fed?  Are 
people  whom  Christ  raises  from  the  dead 
nowadays  ever  left   to   starve   afterwards? 

What  was  the  effect  of  all  this  on  the 
parents?  Had  they  not  believed?  What 
further  charge  did  our  Lord  give  them? 
Why?  (Matt.  12:15-20;  Mark  i  :43-4S-) 
How  had  that  ruler  felt  when  he  left  his 
home  to  find  Him?  How  did  he  feel  now 
when  He  left?    What  is  the  lesson  for  us? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Our  Lord. 

His  deity,  22,  39,  41,  42;  humanity,  24; 


100 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


hatred  of  ostentatious  grief,  39; 
sternness  toward  scorners,  40 ;  dislike 
of  notoriety,  43;  absence  of  hurry, 
14-35 ;  compassion  upon  sorrow,  24 ; 
compassion  upon  weak  faith,  36; 
readiness  to  answer  prayer,  22-24; 
power  to  answer  prayer,  41,  42; 
power  to  strengthen  fainting  faith, 
36;  power  to  banish  sorrow,  power 
over  death,  42,  43;  delayed  not  at 
all  for  His  own  need,  24;  delayed 
long  for  another's  need,  24-35. 

2.    Man. 

His  scorn  for  Christ's  word,  helpless- 
ness before  Christ's  word,  40;  feeble 
faith    in    Christ's    word,    comfort    in 


Christ's  word,  36;  amazement  at  the 
power  of  Christ's  word,  42. 
J.    Sorrow. 

Brings  men  to  Christ,  22;  banished  by 
Christ,  42,  43;  awakens  the  compas- 
sion of  Christ,  23. 

4.  Prayer  to  Christ. 

Its  power,  22,  23,  42 ;  shorld  be  earnest, 
to  the  point,  23;  beheving,  3(5. 

5.  Faith. 

Awakened  by  need,  brings  men  to  Je- 
sus' feet,  22;  banishes  fear,  gets  the 
blessing,  must  be  supported  by 
Christ,  36;  believes  His  Word,  even 
against  the  testimony  of  his  senses, 
36-39;  conquers  death,  42. 


LESSON  46. 
Our  Lord's  Second  Rejection  at  Nazareth.    Matthew  9 :27-34 ;  Mark  6:1-6. 
(Compare  Matthew  13:54-58.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Our  Lord's  power  over  blindness, 
Matt.  9:2^-31. 

What  miracle  had  our  Lord  just  per- 
formed? (Matt.  9:23-26.)  Whither  was 
Fie  going?  (Mark  5:43-6:1.)  What  oc- 
curred as  He  passed  along  the  way?  How 
did  these  blind  men  show  their  earnest- 
ness? How  did  they  show  their  faith? 
Did  He  seem  to  pay  any  attention  to  them 
at  first?  Why  not?  As  whom  did  the 
blind  men  recognize  Him?  Had  that  any- 
thing to  do  with  their  expecting  Him  to 
open  their  eyes?  Was  there  any  Old  Testa- 
ment prophecy  that  the  Messiah  would  open 
the  eyes  of  the  blind?  (Is.  29:18;  35:5; 
42:6,  7.)  What  is  the  significance  of  the 
title  "Son  of  David"?  (Matt.  12:23;  15: 
22;  20:30,  31;  21:9,  15;  22:41-45;  Is.  7:13, 
14;  9:6,  7;  11:14;  Jer.  23:5,  6;  Ezek.  34:23, 
24;  Amos  9:11.)      What  characteristic   did 


the  blind  men  display  in  following  Him 
right  into  the  house? 

What  question  did  He  put  to  them? 
What  was  the  purpose  of  that  question? 
What  is  the  one  condition  that  He  de- 
mands of  us  if  we  would  realize  experi- 
mentally the  fulfillment  of  His  promises  and 
the  enjo3'ment  of  His  power?  (Luke  1:45; 
Jas.  1 :5-7-)  What  was  the  answer  of  the 
bHnd  men  to  His  question?  Would  you  be 
as  ready  to  say  yes  if  the  Lord  should  put 
the  question  to  you?  What  question  does 
He  put  to  us  concerning  all  the  blessings 
that  we  seek  of  Flim?  Why  is  it  that  we 
do  not  more  often  get  what  we  seek?  How 
much  is  He  able  to  do?  How  much  do 
you  believe  that  He  is  able  to  do  for  you? 

What  did  He  do  as  soon  as  they  said: 
"Yes,  Lord"?  What  did  He  say?  What 
principle  is  taught  in  these  words?  (8:6, 
7,   13;    15:28;   Mark    10:52.)      Why  do  we 


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101 


not  enjoy  more  of  His  grace  and  power? 
What  was  the  result  of  His  touch?  Has 
it  similar  power  today?  Has  it  that  power 
for  the  body  today?  Has  it  power  for 
anything  besides  the  body?  Who  is  it  that 
opens  the  eyes  of  the  blind?  (Ps.  146:8.) 
Who  then  was  our  Lord? 

What  command  did  He  lay  upon  the  men 
w^hose  eyes  He  had  opened?  What  was 
the  purpose  of  that  charge?  (Matt.  12:16- 
21 ;  Mark  l  :44,  45.)  What  characteristic 
of  our  Lord  is  brought  out  by  the  charge? 

2.  Our  Lord's  power  over  demons,  Matt. 
9:32-34- 

With  whom  next  that  needed  His  help 
was  our  Lord  brought  in  contact?  What 
does  the  word  translated  "devil"  really 
mean?  (See  R.  V.  margin.)  What  is  a 
demon?  Is  there  such  a  thing  as  demon 
possession  today?  What  was  the  result 
of  this  demon's  influence  over  the  man? 
What  is  the  best  thing  to  do  with  those 
who  are  possessed  with  demons  of  any 
kind?  What  did  the  man  do  after  the 
demon  was  cast  out?  Can  our  Lord  make 
those  who  are  dumb  from  any  other  cause 
to  speak?  (Ex.  4:11,  12.)  What  prophecy 
was  fulfilled  in  His  giving  this  man  power 
to  speak?  (Is.  35:6.)  What  was  the  com- 
ment of  the  multitude?  What  explanation 
did  the  Pharisees  give?  Did  they  ever 
give  a  similar  explanation  of  other  mira- 
cles? (Matt.  12:22-24;  Mark  3:22;  Luke 
11:14,  15.)  Why?  Was  it  a  rational  ex- 
planation? What  did  it  reveal  as  to  the 
state   of   their  own  hearts?      (John  3:20.) 

$.  Our  Lord  limited  by  unbelief,  Mark 
6:1-6. 

To  what  city  did  our  Lord  now  go?  How 
had  He  been  treated  the  last  time  He  was 
there?  (Luke  4:16-30.)  Why  did  He  go 
again?  How  did  His  disciples  show  their 
loyalty?      What    did    He    do    in    His    own 


town?  Why?  On  what  day?  Why  on 
that  day?  Was  He  in  the  habit  of  teach- 
ing in  the  synagogue  on  the  Sabbath? 
(Mark  1:21,  39;  Luke  4:15,  16,  31,  32.) 
Who  followed  His  example  in  this?  (Acts 
17:2.)  What  was  the  effect  of  His  teach- 
ing? What  question  did  they  ask  about 
it?  Was  that  an  important  question? 
What  is  His  own  answer?  (John  7:15, 
16;  12:49;  14:10,  II,  24.)  Is  this  a  rea- 
sonable answer?  Is  there  any  other  pos- 
sible answer?  What  second  question  did 
they  ask?  What  was  the  wisdom  that  was 
given  unto  Him?  (Col.  2:3.)  What  third 
question  did  they  ask?  Wliat  did  these 
"mighty  works"  mean?  (John  14:10,  11; 
3:2.)  What  fourth  question  did  they  ask 
about  Him?  What  was  its  meaning  as  they 
asked  it?  (Matt.  13:5s,  56;  Is.  49:7;  53:2, 
3;  I  Peter  2:4.)  Was  it  any  disgrace  to 
our  Lord  that  He  had  been  a  carpenter? 
What  has  He  sanctified  and  made  hon- 
orable by  being  a  carpenter?  Had  Mary 
borne  any  children  beside  Him?  (Matt 
12:46;  I  Cor.  9:5;  Gal.  1:19;  John  7:5.) 
What  were  the  names  of  His  brothers  ?  (  See 
R.  V.)  Had  He  sisters  as  well?  Where 
were  all  these  living?  What  were  they 
doing?  What  did  the  fact  that  one  out  of 
their  own  town  had  risen  to  such  a  height 
of  divine  favor  and  power  cause  His  town't 
people  to  do?  (v.  3,  R.  V.  margin.)  What 
prophecy  was  thus  fulfilled?  (Luke  2:34.) 
Where  did  they  stumble  at  Him  most  of 
all?  (Luke  4:23-29.)  Is  He  a  stumbling 
block  to  any  today?  What  is  it  about  Him 
that  especially  causes  men  to  stumble  to- 
day?    (i  Cor.  I  :23.) 

What  was  His  own  explanation  of  the 
attitude  taken  toward  Him  by  His  own 
people?  (v.  4.)  Had  He  ever  said  this 
before?  (Luke  4:24;  John  4:43,  44-) 
Where?  Why  is  it  that  a  prophet  is 
without  honor  in  his  own  country?     What 


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characteristic  of  the  human  heart  does  this 
reveal ? 

What  effect  did  the  unbelief  of  the  peo- 
ple have  upon  our  Lord?  Does  our  unbe- 
lief ever  hmit  Him?  Why  is  it  He  does 
not  do  greater  things  for  us  ?  (9 123 ;  Matt. 
13:58.)  Is  there  anything  else  that  hin- 
ders God  doing  His  best  for  us  beside 
our  unbelief?  (Is.  59:1,  2.)  Did  their 
unbelief  prevent  our  Lord  doing  any  good 
there?  Does  the  general  unbeHef  of  peo- 
ple today  prevent  Him  from  accomplishing 
anything  in  a  place?  How  did  He  regard 
their  unbelief?  Is  He  anywhere  recorded 
as  having  marvelled  at  anything  beside  un- 
belief? (Matt.  8:10.)  Which  does  He  find 
the  most  to  marvel  at  today — incredible 
unbelief  or  unusual  faith? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 

(i)     What  He  was: 
Divine,  29,  32,  ZZ;   human,  3;    Son  of 
David,    the    Messiah,    27;    Lord,    28; 
Son  of  Mary,  a  carpenter,  3 ;  hum- 
ble,   avoiding    publicity,    30 ;    without 
honor  in  His  own  country,  4;  limited 
by  unbelief,  5. 
(2)     What  He  had : 
Power  over   sickness,   27-30,   5;   power 
over  demons,  32,  33;  power  to  work 
mighty  works,  2;  power  to  make  the 


blind  to  see,  27-30;  power  to  make 
the  dumb  to  speak,  32,  33;  wisdom 
from  God,  2;  a  human  mother, 
brothers  and  sisters,  3. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

Taught  in  the  synagogues,  2;  opened 
the  eyes  of  the  blind,  29,  30;  un- 
stopped the  mouth  of  the  dumb,  32, 
Z2,',  cast  out  demons,  32-34;  what  He 
was  asked,  28,  31 ;  what  men  believed 
for,  28,  29;  loved  His  own  people, 
1-6;  shunned  publicity,  30;  marvelled 
at  unbelief,  6. 

(4)  How  He  was  treated : 
Followed  by  his  disciples,   i ;  by  those 

in  need,  27;  honored  by  the  blind, 
27-31;  by  the  dumb,  32,  32i\  by  the 
multitude,  31 ;  sneered  at,  stumbled 
at  by  His  town's  people,  3 ;  blas- 
phemed by  the  Pharisees,  34. 

2.  Faith  and  unbelief. 
(i)     Faith: 

Necessary  to  blessing,  28;  largeness  of 
blessing  measured  by  the  degree  of 
faith,  29;  brings  opening  to  the  eyes, 
29.  30. 
(2)     UnbeHef: 

Limits  Jesus  Christ,  5;  marvelled  at  by 
Jesus  Christ,  6. 

3.  The  natural  man. 

Blind,  27;  dumb,  demon-possessed,  :z2; 
stubborn  in  unbelief,  blasphemous,  34. 


LESSON  47. 
The  Mission  of  the  Twelve.    Matthew  9:35  to  10:10. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Our  Lord  Himself  ministering  to  the 
physical  and  spiritual  needs  of  flic  masses, 
9:35-38. 

What  are  the  three  forms  of  activity 
ascribed  to  our  Lord  in  v.  35?  What  is 
meant  by  "preaching  the  Gospel  of  the 
kingdom"?     How   differ  from  the  "teach- 


ing in  their  synagogues"?  Did  He  wait 
for  those  who  needed  Him  to  come  to 
Him?  Where  was  this  three- fold  activity 
exercised?  Where  else  is  a  similar  state- 
ment made  of  Him?  (Matt.  4:23.)  In 
what  similar  way  does  Peter  describe  His 
activity?  (Acts  10:38.)  What  forms  of 
sickness  and  disease  did  He  heal?     What 


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forms  may  we  expect  Him  to  heal  today? 
Why?      (Heb.    13:8;    Is.  59:i-) 

Did  Christ's  work  draw  a  crowd?  What 
part  of  it  attracted  the  multitudes?  What 
feelings  did  this  crowd  awaken  in  His 
heart  as  He  looked  upon  them  ?  What  feel- 
ings do  crowds  awaken  in  His  heart  today? 
What  was  it  especially  in  these  crowds  that 
awakened  His  compassion?  Had  God  in 
His  plans  for  Israel  anticipated  this  condi- 
tion of  affairs?  Ezek.  34:5,  6;  Zech.  10: 
2.)  Plad  these  people  no  teachers?  How 
then  had  they  no  shepherds?  Is  it  pos- 
sible for  people  to  have  teachers  and 
preachers  nowadays  and  yet  have  no  real 
shepherds?  What  is  a  real  shepherd  ready 
to  do  if  need  be?  (John  10: 11.)  Who 
ought  to  be  shepherds?  (John  10:2,  R.  V. 
margin.)  Did  our  Lord's  compassion  sim- 
ply exhibit  itself  in  feeling  and  in  words? 
How  is  genuine  compassion  to  be  distin- 
guished from  spurious?  (i  John  3:17,  18.) 
Whom  did  He  seek  to  have  share  His 
thoughts  and  feelings  about  the  great  un- 
shepherded  masses?  Did  they?  Do  you? 
To  what  did  these  great  masses  of  uncared- 
for  souls  seem  to  Him  like?  Where  else 
do  we  see  a  similar  thought  coming  to 
Him?  (John  4:35,  :s6.)  Is  that  a  good 
harvest  to  have  a  hand  in?  Which  would 
excite  the  most  interest  in  the  mind  of  the 
average  American — a  great  bonanza  wheat 
field  or  one  of  God's  wheat  fields  on  some 
street  corner? 

Why,  according  to  our  Lord,  is  not  the 
great  harvest  garnered?  Is  that  true  to- 
day? Are  paid  laborers  the  great  need? 
Is  there  work  for  every  Christian?  How  is 
it  then  that  so  many  can't  find  work  to  do? 

What  was  the  first  thing  the  disciples 
were  to  do  in  order  to  meet  this  emergency 
of  the  great  harvest?  What  is  the  need  of 
praying— couldn't  God  send  laborers  any- 
how ?    Ought  we  to  offer  that  prayer  nowa- 


days? If  we  see  the  need  of  a  worker  in 
any  special  direction,  what  is  the  first  thing 
to  do?  Will  God  answer  the  prayer?  (i 
John  5:14,  15.)  If  we  are  honestly  to 
pray  God  to  "send  forth  laborers  into  His 
harvest,"  what  must  we  be  willing  to  do? 
Why  pray  God  to  send  the  laborers?  (Ro. 
10:15.)  Of  whom  must  a  true  laborer  be 
sent?  What  is  the  exact  meaning  of  the 
words  translated  "Send  forth"?  Where  are 
we  to  ask  the  Lord  to  send  His  laborers? 
Lender  what  other  circumstances  did  He 
use  similar  words?     (Luke  10:2.) 

2.  Our  Lord  sending  forth  those  who 
have  learned  of  Him  to  minister  to  the 
spiritual  and  physical  needs  of  the  masses, 
10:1-10. 

Having  told  the  disciples  to  pray  God  to 
send  forth  laborers,  what  does  He  do  with 
them?  Was  it  at  this  time  He  chose  the 
twelve  disciples?  (Luke  6:12,  13.)  What 
had  He  been  doing  with  them  between  the 
time  of  choosing  and  this  time?  Why  does 
He  send  the  disciples  at  this  time?  How 
does  He  equip  them  for  this  work?  What 
does  it  indicate  as  to  who  Christ  was  that 
He  could  give  to  others  such  power?  What 
indication  is  there  in  this  verse  that  de- 
moniacal possession  is  something  more  than 
a  form  of  disease?  Over  what  kinds  of 
disease  were  they  to  have  power?  Were 
these  powers  confined  to  the  twelve  apos- 
tles? (Luke  10:9-19;  Mark  16:17,  18;  I 
Cor.  12:9;  James  5:15.) 

What  are  the  names  of  the  twelve  apos- 
tles? How  many  lists  have  we?  How  do 
they  agree  and  how  differ?  Why  is  Peter's 
name  always  first?  What  was  Bartholo- 
mew's other  name?  How  many  of  the 
Gospels  mention  that  Matthew  had  been  a 
publican?  Do  we  hear  much  of  most  of 
these  men  after  Christ's  death?  Does  that 
prove  that  their  work  was  insignificant?  Of 
these    singularly    privileged    men,    how   did 


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one  turn  out?  From  what  position  in  so- 
ciety were  these  men  called? 

Where  did  our  Lord  bid  them  not  go? 
Were  they  not  just  as  needy  as  Israel? 
Why  not  go  there  then?  Who  ought  to 
decide  where  each  of  us  should  go  ?  Where 
were  they  to  go?  Who  are  lost  sheep? 
(Is.  53:6.)  What  were  they  to  do?  What 
was  to  be  the  substance  of  their  teaching? 
Who  else  had  begun  with  that  message? 
(3:2;  4:17.)  To  whom  else  did  our  Lord 
give  it?  (Luke  10:9.)  What  else  were 
they  to  do  ?  What  were  they  to  charge  for 
their  services?  Why  not?  What  obliga- 
tion does  receiving  always  lay  upon  men? 

Note:  The  remaining  instructions  given 
to  the  Twelve  are  so  like  those  given  to 
the  Seventy  in  Luke  10:1-23  that  they  will 
be  considered  in  studying  that  portion  of 
our  Lord's  life. 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

His  divine  nature,  35,  i ;  power — every 
sickness  and  disease,  demons  and 
death  subject  to  Him,  i,  8,  35;  com- 
passion— on  the  unshepherded  mass- 
es, on  the  sick,  on  the  demonized,  i, 
S,  35.  36;  most-loved  harvest  field — 
the     world     of     unshepherded     and 


wretched  men,  2>7'y  fi^'d  of  work — 
city,    country,   35. 

2.  Workers  in  God's  harvest  field. 
Few,  2)7 '>  to  be  sought  in  prayer,  must 

be  sent  of  God,  must  be  thrust  forth, 
must  sympathize  with  our  Lord's 
thoughts  and  feelings  regarding  the 
masses,  37,  38;  must  be  trained  at 
PTis  feet,  must  receive  power  for 
service  from  Him,  i ;  have  an  abun- 
dant harvest,  37;  must  take  that  field 
of  labor  to  which  Christ  Himself 
appoints  them,  must  seek  lost  sheep, 
5,  6;  a  variety  of  work  to  be  done — 
preach,  heal  the  sick,  cleanse  lepers, 
raise  the  dead,  cast  out  devils,  what 
they  have  received  from  God  they 
must  give  forth  to  man, — have  freely 
received,  must  freely  give,  8. 

3.  The  masses. 

Their  crying  need,  awakens  Christ's 
compassion,  He  meets  all  their  need. 
35.  36;  He  longs  for  helpers  to  carry 
on  work  among  them,  they  consti- 
tute a  large  and  glorious  harvest 
field,  sadly  neglected,  ^y;  their  need 
should  drive  our  Lord's  disciples  to 
prayer,  38;  should  arouse  His  disci- 
ples to  work,  1-15. 


LESSON  48. 

The  Death  of  John  the  Baptist.     Mark  6:14-29.     (Compare  Matthew  14: 
1-12;  Luke  9:7-9.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  abject  terror  of  a  conscience- 
smitten  king,  vv.  14-18. 

How  far  did  the  rumor  of  the  mighty 
works  of  the  Son  of  God  penetrate?  How 
did  His  name  and  power  become  so  widely 
known?  (Matt.  9:31;  Mark  1:45.)  What 
was  Herod's  explanation  of  these  mighty 
works?    Was  it  he  who  first  suggested  that 


our  Lord  was  John  risen  from  the  dead? 
(Luke  9:7.)  What  made  him  ready  to 
catch  up  this  idea?  How  did  he  feel  about 
it?  Was  his  anxiety  on  this  score  of  very 
long  duration?  (Luke  23:8.)  Were  the 
impressions  which  were  made  upon  his 
mind  usually  of  very  long  duration?  What 
was  the  explanation  others  gave  of  our 
Lord  and  His  mighty  works?     What  was 


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1C5 


a  third  explanation?  (Matt.  21:11;  Luke 
7:16;  John  6:14;  7:40;  9:17.)  Was  this 
last  explanation  true?  Was  it  the  whole 
truth?  Why  did  none  of  them  reach  the 
whole  truth  on  the  matter?  Did  Herod 
accept  any  of  these  other  explanations? 
Why  not?  Was  it  a  peaceful  day  for  him 
when  he  reached  this  conclusion? 

At  whose  instigation  had  he  laid  hold 
upon  John  in  the  first  place?  How  had 
John  brought  down  the  wrath  of  this  wo- 
man upon  his  own  head?  What  were  the 
characteristics  of  John's  preaching  as  we 
read  it  in  v.  18?  Ought  he  to  have  spoken 
so  plainly  to  a  great  man?  What  would 
have  been  the  result  if  he  had  not?  (Ez. 
3:18.)  Did  his  denunciation  of  Herod's 
sin  bring  the  latter  to  repentance?  Was 
it  not  in  vain  then?  (Ez.  3:i9-)  Would 
it  be  right  in  our  day  to  denounce  the  sins 
of  great  men  in  this  plain,  straight-forward, 
fearless  way?  What  was  the  result  of  this 
plain  preaching?  If  our  practices  do  not 
harmonize  with  the  teachings  of  some  faith- 
ful servant  of  God,  what  are  the  two  ways 
of  trying  to  do  away  with  the  discrepancy? 
Which  is  the  favorite  way  with  the  world? 
Did  Herod  succeed  in  covering  his  sin  by 
silencing  the  preacher?  What  may  a  faith- 
ful preacher  always  expect?  (2  Chron.  24: 
20,  21;  36:16;  Neh.  9:26;  Matt.  21:35,  4i  J 
22:6,  7;  John  15:20.) 

2.  The  implacable  hatred  of  a  wicked 
queen,  vv.  I9-25- 

How  far  did  the  hatred  of  Herodias 
against  John  go?  Could  she  carry  out 
her  murderous  desires?  Was  she  any  less 
a  murderess  on  that  account?  What  is  it 
God  looks  at?  When  is  a  person  a  mur- 
derer in  His  sight?  (i  John  3:15.)  What 
kept  back  Herodias  from  her  evil  designs? 
Why  did  Herod  fear  John?  What  feeling 
will  men  who  are  righteous  and  holy  al- 
wavs  awaken  in  the  hearts  of   those  who 


would  do  them  harm?  (Mark  11:18;  i 
Kings  21 :2o.)  Was  it  merely  fear  of  John 
that  kept  Herod  from  yielding  to  the  sug- 
gestions of  Herodias?  (Matt.  14:5-)  Was 
there  much  virtue  or  stability  of  purpose 
in  his  protection  of  John?  What  was  the 
effect  of  John's  preaching  upon  him  (v.  20, 
R.  V.)?  Why  was  he  "much  perplexed"? 
What  would  have  been  the  simplest  way 
out  of  his  perplexity?  Was  he  wilHng  to 
listen  to  John?  Are  there  ever  persons 
nowadays  who  seem  to  listen  with  pleasure 
to  the  preaching  of  the  truth  and  let  that 
take  the  place  of  obeying  the  truth?  Did 
his  glad  hearing  of  the  word  do  him  any 
good?     Why  not? 

What  were  the  steps  that  led  up  to  the 
final  tragedy  and  Herod's  appalling  crime? 
Was  he  the  last  man  who  has  lost  his  head 
and  plunged  into  crime  because  of  a  beau- 
tiful dancer?  Had  Herod's  wife  much 
regard  for  her  daughter  to  send  her  in  to 
dance  on  such  an  occasio-n?  What  was 
all  she  was  thinking  about  ?  Had  the 
daughter  much  self-respect  to  go  in  and 
dance?  What  was  all  she  was  thinking 
about?  What  was  the  effect  of  the  girl's 
dance  upon  Herod  and  his  friends?  Was 
God  "pleased"?  What  offer  did  Herod 
make  the  maiden?  In  what  physical  and 
mental  condition  was  he  when  he  made 
this  promise?  What  request  did  the  girl 
make?  Who  instigated  her  to  make  that 
request?  (Compare  2  Chron.  22:3.)  Had 
all  this  been  a  pre-arranged  plot  on  the  part 
of  Herodias  (v.  24)  ?  Did  the  daughter 
of  Herodias  yield  herself  readily  to  the 
hellish  conspiracy?  Why  did  she  come  in 
such  haste? 

3.  The  strange  rczvard  of  a  faithful 
preacher,  vv.  26-29. 

How  did  the  king  feel  when  he  saw  the 
trap  into  which' he  had  fallen?  How  had 
he    fallen   into   the    trap?     Did    it   do   any 


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good  to  be  sorry?  Was  it  "godly  sor- 
row"? (2  Cor.  7:10.)  How  could  he 
have  got  out  of  the  trap?  Why  didn't  he 
do  that?  Was  he  right  or  wrong  in  keeping 
his  oath?  (Ex.  20:13.)  Was  it  merely 
regard  for  his  oath  that  led  him  to  accede 
to  the  maiden's  request?  What  would  it 
have  cost  him  to  have  refused  the  re- 
quest? What  did  it  cost  him  to  grant  the 
request?  Was  he  as  conscientious  in  the 
strict  fulfillment  of  all  his  vows  as  he  was 
in  the  fulfillment  of  this?  Didn't  the  re- 
sult prove  that  John  had  made  a  mistake 
in  his  bold  preaching?  (Matt.  5:11,  12; 
2  Tim.  2:12.) 

What  did  the  disciples  of  John  do?  Did 
they  lay  him  in  the  tomb?  (Phil.  1:23, 
24;  2  Cor.  5:8.)  What  further  does  Mat- 
thew tell  as  to  what  they  did?  (Matt.  14: 
12.)  What  is  the  best  thing  we  can  do 
with  all  our  bereavements,  discouragements 
and  perplexities?  (Matt.  11:28.)  Which 
was  the  happier  that  night,  Herodias  the 
living  and  seemingly  triumphant  sinner,  or 
John  the  dead  and  seemingly  conquered 
servant  of  God?  Which  is  better — to  die 
true  or  live  false? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  John  the  Baptist. 
(i)     What  he  was: 

Righteous,    holy,    20;    courageous,    18; 
awe-inspiring,  20. 

(2)  What  he  did  : 

Rebuked   sin,    plainly,    fearlessly,   with- 
out respect  of  persons,  18. 

(3)  What  he  got: 
Imprisonment,  17;  death,  27,  28. 

2.  Herod. 

(i)     His  early  promise: 

Feared  John,  heard  him  gladly,  opposed 
to  plots  of  Herodias,  19,  20. 
-    (2)     His  final  failure  : 

Loved  his  sin  inore  than  the  truth  he 


gladly  heard,  20,  17;  remained  an 
adulterer,  18-28;  became  a  murderer, 
27. 

(3)  His  wretchedness : 

Was  much  perplexed,  20;  brought  upon 
himself  exceeding  sorrow,  26;  was 
tormented  by  an  accusing  conscience, 
14,  16;  goaded  by  his  own  paramour, 
19,  24;  entrapped  by  his  own  rash- 
ness, 22,  23 ;  haunted  by  his  own  con- 
science, 14,  16. 

(4)  His  manifold  fears: 

Feared  John,  20;  the  people,  Matt.  14: 
5;  his  wife,  19,  28;  his  friends,  26; 
the  ghosts  of  his  own  imagination, 
14.  16. 

(5)  His  steps  toward  hell: 

Took  his  brother's  wife,  17;  rejected 
the  faithful  warning,  18;  imprisoned 
the  faithful  preacher,  17;  made  a 
drunken  feast,  21  ;  watched  a  lascivi- 
ous dancer,  22 ;  obeyed  the  prompt- 
ings of  his  excited  imagination  and 
made  a  rash  vow,  22,  23 ;  kept  his 
foolish  and  wicked  oath,  26;  mur- 
dered a  holy  man,  27.    Sin  grows. 

3.    Herodias. 

(i)  Her  shameless  adultery,  17;  cruel 
vengefulness,  turbulent  rage  at  re- 
buke, 19;  cunning  plotting,  22-24; 
pitiless  murder,  19,  24. 

(2)     The  road  she  travelled  to  her  own 

place : 

Entered  an  adulterous  alliance,  17;  re- 
jected a  faithful  warning,  hated  the 
faithful  messenger,  19;  plotted  his 
death,  22-24 ;  sacrificed  her  daughter's 
modesty  upon  the  altar  of  her  own 
hellish  hate,  22;  murdered  God's 
faithful  ambassador,  27;  gloated  over 
the  head  of  the  victim  of  her  lust 
and  hate  and  cruelty,  28.  Sin  grows. 


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107 


LESSON  49. 

The  Feeding  of  the  Five  Thousand.     Mark  6:30-44.     (Compare  Matthew 

14:13-21;    Luke  9:10-17;    John  6:1-13.) 

DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS.  rest?     (Luke  9 :ii.  R-  V.)     Why  not?     Is 

/.  Our  Lord's  care  for  His  servants, 
vv.  30-32. 

From  what  were  the  apostles  returning? 
What  was  the  first  thing  they  did  upon 
their  return?  (Luke  9:10.)  What  is  the 
wisest  thing  we  can  do  at  the  close  of 
each  missionary  tour  and  each  day's  work? 
To  whom  did  they  tell  what  they  had 
done?  To  whom  do  men  usually  tell  what 
they  have  done?  How  much  of  what 
they  had  done  did  they  tell  our  Lord?  Do 
men  usually  tell  Him  "all  things  whatsoever 
they  have  done"?  Doesn't  He  know  it 
without  our  telling  Him?  What  is  the 
use   then   in   telling   Him? 

Did  they  tell  Him  anything  besides  what 
they  had  done?  What  would  be  the  effect 
upon  the  teaching  of  many  of  us  if  at 
the  close  of  each  day's  work  we  should 
tell  our  Lord  all  that  we  have  taught? 
What  did  He  say?  Why  did  they  need 
rest?  Are  vacations  right?  Who  went 
with  the  apostles  upon  their  proposed  vaca- 
tion? Whom  ought  Christians  to  always 
take  with  them  on  their  vacation?  Do 
you  always  take  Him  along?  Was  it  purely 
for  rest  that  He  took  them  apart?  (Matt. 
14:12,  13.)  What  sort  of  a  place  did  He 
take  them  to?  Why  to  a  desert  place? 
(v.  31;  Matt.   10:23;   12:15;  4:12.) 

2.  Our  Lord's  compassion  for  the  neg- 
lected masses,  vv.  33,  34- 

Did  He  get  the  seclusion  and  rest  He 
needed  and  desired?  Why  did  the  people 
follow  Him?  (John  6:2.)  How  did  they 
show  the  earnestness  of  their  following? 
Was  He  vexed  at  them  that  they  broke  in 
in  this  inconsiderate  way  upon  His  needed 


there  any  hint  here  for  us?  For  which  did 
He  care  most,  opportunities  for  refresh- 
ment or  opportunities  to  do  good?  (John 
4:6,  31,  32.)  Did  His  own  sorrow  make 
Him  heedless  of  the  sorrow  of  others? 
What  was  the  feeling  in  Jesus'  heart  when 
He  saw  that  great  multitude?  (cf.  Matt. 
9:36;  14:14;  15:32.)  What  was  it  about 
them  that  moved  Him  with  compassion? 
What  will  be  the  feeling  of  every  true  fol- 
lower of  Christ  as  he  looks  upon  the  vast 
unshepherded  crowd?  How  did  He  mani- 
fest His  compassion  toward  them?  (Luke 
9:11;  Matt.  14:14.)  Which  did  they  need 
the  most,  the  healing  or  the  teaching? 
Whom  did  He  heal?  (Luke  9:11.)  What 
was  it  appealed  to  Him?  Who  is  it  He 
wishes  to  come  to  Him?  (Matt.  11:28.) 
Did  He  spend  much  time  at  this  work? 

3.  Our  Lord  as  the  bountiftil  provider, 
vv.  35-44- 

What  anxious  thoughts  disturbed  His 
disciples  as  evening  drew  on?  Who  had 
first  suggested  to  their  minds  this  question 
about  feeding  the  multitude?  (John  6:5.) 
What  was  His  purpose  in  this?  (John  6:6.) 
Was  the  anxiety  of  the  apostles  natural? 
Was  it  justifiable?  What  fact  did  they 
regard  that  made  them  anxious?  What 
fact  did  they  overlook  that  would  have 
banished  all  anxiety?  What  fact  do  we  al- 
ways overlook  when  we  give  way  to 
anxiety?  (Ro.  8:31.)  What  was  really  at 
the  bottom  of  their  anxiety?  What  is  al- 
ways at  the  bottom  of  anxiety?  (Is.  26:3.) 
In  their  unbelief  whom  did  they  under- 
take to  advise?  Do  men  nowadays  ever 
undertake    to   give   the   Lord   pointers   on 


lOS 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


what  He  ought  to  do?  Of  what  fact  did 
they  inform  Him?  Did  He  know  all  that 
before?  Do  men  nowadays  ever  undertake 
to  inform  the  Lord  of  that  which  He  al- 
ready knows  perfectly  well?  What  did  He 
know  that  the  disciples  did  not?  (John 
6:6.) 

What  was  the  suggestion  of  the  disciples 
as  to  the  way  out  of  difficulty?  Did  they 
on  any  other  occasion  suggest  the  same 
expedient?  (Matt.  15:33.)  Is  this  a  com- 
mon way  of  getting  out  of  difficulties  in 
Christian  work?  Was  this  Christ's  way? 
Is  it  His  way  today?  What  startling  com- 
mand did  He  give  the  apostles?  Was  it 
possible  to  obey?  Was  it  duty  to  obey?  Is 
our  duty  to  be  measured  by  our  ability? 
What  is  it  to  be  measured  by?  Where  are 
we  to  look  for  the  ability  to  do  that  which 
we  are  unable  to  do  but  which  He  com- 
mands us  to  do?  Of  what  may  we  always 
be  sure  when  He  gives  us  a  command? 
How  much  can  one  do?  (Phil.  4:13;  2 
Cor.  9:7,  8.)  What  two  things  did  He 
wish  to  bring  them  to  recognize  by  this 
command?  What  was  their  reply?  (Luke 
9:13.)  What  kind  of  loaves  were  they 
which  they  had?  (John  6:9.)  Is  there  any 
significance  as  to  the  way  in  which  our 
Lord  and  His  companions  lived  in  the  fact 
that  they  were  barley  loaves?  Was  there 
enough  to  feed  the  multitude?  Did  He 
altogether   discard  them  on   that  account? 

What  was  the  first  thing  to  be  done  with 
them  before  they  should  be  multiplied? 
(Matt.  14:18.)  If  we  want  our  powers  to 
be  multiplied,  what  is  the  first  thing  to  do 
with  them?  Did  the  disciples  really  bring 
the  loaves?  Did  they  lose  anything  by  giv- 
ing their  own  scant  stores  to  feed  others 
(vv.  42,  43)  ?  Do  we  ever  lose  anything 
by  giving  at  Christ's  command?  (Mai. 
3:10;   Prov.   11:24,  25.) 


What  was  Christ's  next  command? 
(Luke  9:14.)  Was  it  any  test  of  faith  to 
the  disciples  to  seat  the  crowd?  Did  their 
faith  stand  the  test?  What  is  the  wisest 
thing  to  do  when  we  get  any  order  from 
the  Lord,  no  matter  how  strange  it  may 
appear?  What  must  have  been  the  feeling 
of  the  disciples  and  the  multitude  at  this 
point?  How  many  obeyed  the  order  and 
sat   down?     (Luke   9:15.) 

How  many  of  the  loaves  and  fishes  did 
our  Lord  take?  What  do  we  learn  from 
this  that  we  must  do  before  we  expect  God 
to  increase  our  power  in  His  service?  Hav- 
ing taken  the  loaves  and  fishes,  what  did 
He  do?  Did  He  thank  God  merely  for 
what  was  already  there  or  in  view  of  what 
was  to  be  there?  Did  He  on  any  other  oc- 
casion return  thanks  at  meals?  (Matt. 
15:36;  26:26,  27.)  What  reason  have  we 
for  supposing  that  the  way  in  which  He 
did  this  was  different  from  the  way  in 
which  other  men  did  it  and  made  a  deep 
impression  upon  the  disciples?  (John  6:23; 
Luke  24:30,  31.)  Was  it  a  common  custom 
among  Christians?  (Ro.  14:6;  i  Tim.  4:4, 
5.)  Ought  we  to  do  it  when  we  eat  in 
public  places?     (Acts  27:35.) 

Did  our  Lord  give  the  bread  directly  to 
the  multitude?  Any  lesson  in  that?  How 
many  people  were  fed?  How  much  did 
they  get?  (John  6:11.)  In  what  condition 
were  they  all  when  the  meal  was  over? 
Did  any  one  ever  really  come  to  Christ's 
table  and  not  get  filled?  Are  there  any 
tables  where   we  can  never  get  filled? 

Why  is  this  in  some  respects  the  most 
wonderful  of  all  the  miracles?  What  does 
it  prove  our  Lord  to  have  been?  Where 
are  our  multitudes  to  feed?  Are  we  feed- 
ing them?  What  bread  is  our  Lord  ready 
to  minister  today  to  every  hungry  and 
perishing    soul?     (John   6:35.)     Who    can 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND    TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


109 


have  it?  (John  6:35-37.)  What  does  it 
cost?  (Is.  55:1.)  What  will  be  the  result 
of  eating  it?    (John  6:49,  50,  51.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our   Lord. 

His  deity,  41-43;  humanity,  30,  31,  41; 
accessibleness,  34;  love  of  order,  39, 
40;  use  of  human  instrumentalities, 
41 ;  compassion  on  His  v^reary  dis- 
ciples, on  the  ignorant,  on  the  sick, 
on  the  hungry,  31,  34,  37;  power  to 
teach,  surmount  difficulties,  to  create, 
to  satisfy,  34,  37-42;  forgetfulness  of 


self,  of  His  own  need,  of  His  own 
sorrow,  34;  mindfulness  of  other's 
need,  of  God's  glory,  34-42. 

2.     Our  Lord  and  the  masses. 

Their  need,  34;  sufficiency,  34,  42; 
came  to  Christ,  33;  loved,  welcomed, 
taught,  fed,  healed  by  Christ,  34, 
41,  42. 

S.     True   service. 

Its  joy — sweeter  than  rest,  31,  34;  its 
measure — not  our  ability  but  Christ's 
command,  27',  its  support — His 
strength,  41 ;  its  consecration — every 
loaf  and  every  fish,  41. 


LESSON  50. 

Our  Lord  Walking  on  the  Water.     Matthew  14:22-36. 
6:45-56;   John  6:14-21.) 


(Compare  Mark 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Sending  Flis  disciples  into  the  storm, 
vv.  22-24. 

What  was  the  effect  upon  the  multitude 
of  the  miracle  we  studied  in  the  last  lesson  ? 
(John  6:14,  15.)  What  was  the  first  thing 
our  Lord  did  upon  this  outburst  of  popular 
feeling?  Why  did  He  send  the  disciples 
away?  Would  they  have  sympathized  with 
the  purpose  of  the  multitude?  Were  they 
willing  to  go?  How  did  He  test  their  real 
loyalty  to  Him  as  King?  How  can  we  best 
show  our  acceptance  of  Jesus  as  King,  by 
putting  a  crown  upon  His  head  or  by  what? 
(Luke  6:46.)  In  sending  the  disciples  away 
where  was  He  sending  them?  Was  that 
loving  and  kind?  Does  He  ever  send  His 
disciples  out  into  the  storm  nowadays? 
When  they  had  gone,  what  did  He  do?  Did 
He  need  prayer?  Why  didn't  He  pray  with 
His  disciples?  Why  go  up  into  a  mountain? 
Who  was  with  Him?  Was  He  absolutely 
alone?  (John  16:32.)  How  long  did  He 
pray?     (v.   25.)      Did    He   not   need    rest? 


Why  then  did  He  not  spend  the  night  in 
rest  rather  than  prayer?  Are  there  times 
when  we  need  prayer  more  than  rest? 
From  which  did  He  get  the  greatest  refresh- 
ment— rest  or  prayer?     (Is.  40:31.) 

While  He  was  praying  where  were  the 
disciples?  In  what  circumstances?  Had 
they  ever  been  in  somewhat  similar  cir- 
cumstances before?  (8:24.)  Where  was  the 
great  difficulty?  (John  6:17.)  Did  our 
Lord  know  their  trouble?  (Mark  6:48.) 
How  could  He  see  them  if  it  was  dark? 
Were  these  men  naturally  competent  to  con- 
tend with  wind  and  storm?  What  did  He 
desire  them  to  learn?  From  what  way  was 
the  wind  blowing?  Would  not  that  seem 
to  be  a  providential  indication  that  they 
were  going  the  wrong  way? 

2.     "It  is  I ;  be  not  afraid!"  vv.  25-27. 

When  did  help  come?  Who  came  to 
their  help?  How?  How  could  He  walk  on 
the  waves?  Of  whom  is  it  said  in  the  Old 
Testament:  "He  treadeth  upon  the  waves 
of  the   sea"?    (Job  9:8.)     When   the   dis- 


110 


STDUIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


ciples  saw  Him  how  did  they  feel?  Why? 
Of  what  did  they  probably  think  the  seem- 
ing apparition  was  a  proof?  How  much 
frightened  were  they?  Does  He  ever  draw 
near  to  us  in  a  way  that  frightens  us? 
Did  He  leave  them  long  in  suspense?  How 
did  He  reassure  them?  What  is  the  most 
comforting  and  inspiring  thing  that  He 
can  say  to  a  disciple  as  He  approaches? 
How  did  He  encourage  John  when  he  fell 
at  His  feet  when  he  saw  Him  in  glory? 
(Rev.  1:17,  18.)  Would  it  have  done  any 
good  to  have  said :  "Be  of  good  cheer,"  if 
He  had  not  also  said:  "It  is  I"? 
J.  "Lord,  save  me!"  vv.  28-21 ' 
Who  was  seemingly  most  affected  by  the 
discovery  that  it  was  our  Lord?  Is  what 
is  related  of  Peter  here  in  keeping  with 
what  is  related  elsewhere?  What  request 
did  he  make?  What  blending  of  good  and 
bad  feeling  was  there  in  the  request  and 
the  sequel?  What  did  our  Lord  say  in 
response?  Did  this  prove  that  He  alto- 
gether approved  of  it?  Why  did  He  bid 
Peter  come? 

Did  Peter  succeed  in  walking  on  the 
water?  What  held  him  up?  What  was 
necessary  on  his  part  that  this  power  of 
Christ  might  act?  (i  Peter  1:5;  Acts 
3:16.)  If  we  had  faith  enough  could  we 
walk  on  the  water?  (Matt.  17:20;  Mark 
9:23.)  Ought  we  to  have  faith  for  this? 
How  was  Peter's  triumphant  march  over 
the  waves  interrupted?  Why  did  he  begin 
to  sink?  Why  did  he  lose  faith?  Why  did 
he  take  his  eyes  off  from  our  Lord?  Are 
we  at  all  like  poor,  weak  Peter?  On  what 
side  are  some  of  us  less  like  him?  What 
did  he  do  in  his  peril?  Was  that  a  very 
long  prayer?  Was  there  perfect  faith 
back  of  it?  Did  it  get  answered?  If  any 
sinking  soul  sincerely  cries  out:  "Lord, 
save   me,"    will    He    do    it?     (Ro.    10:13.) 


How  soon  did  our  Lord  help?  Does 
He  usually  help  so  soon?  (Is.  65:24.) 
How  did  He  save  him  (v.  31,  R.  V.)  ? 
What  else  do  we  learn  in  the  Bible  about 
the  outstretched  hand  of  Jesus?  (Ps.  138:7; 
Is.  63  :i2 ;  Mark  1 :3i,  41 ;  5  :4i ;  Acts  4 :30.) 
How  much  power  is  there  in  His  out- 
stretched hand  today?    (Is.  59:1.) 

What  question  did  our  Lord  put  to 
Peter?  What  does  that  indicate  as  to  the 
cause  of  his  failure?  Did  He  ever  tell  the 
disciples  that  any  other  failure  of  theirs 
was  due  to  unbelief?  (Matt.  17:19,  20.) 
What  is  the  common  cause  of  failure  among 
Christians  in  all  ages  ?  Did  Peter  have  any 
good  ground  to  doubt?  How  might  he 
have  known  that  he  would  get  to  our  Lord 
over  the  waves?  Was  Christ's  question 
intended  as  a  rebuke?  Was  it  very  harsh? 
Was  He  obliged  to  rebuke  the  unbelief  of 
the  disciples  on  any  other  occasion?  (ch. 
8:26;  16:8;  17:20.)  Has  He  ever  occasion 
to    rebuke   our   unbelief? 

4.  Our  Lord  on  hoard — the  storm  over, 
and  the  desired  haven  reached,  vv.  32-36. 

When  He  went  into  the  boat  what  was 
the  result?  What  is  all  that  many  a  tem.- 
pest-tossed  soul  needs  in  order  to  find  calm 
and  safety?  How  did  the  disciples  feel 
about  these  wonderful  things  that  they  had 
seen?  (Mark  6:51.)  Ought  they  to  have 
been  amazed?  (Mark  6:52.)  What  did 
they  do?  Did  they  do  right?  (Heb.  1:6.) 
What  did  His  acceptance  of  this  worship 
show  as  to  His  own  feeling  about  Himself? 
(4:9,  10;  Acts  10:25,  26;  Rev.  19:10.) 
Who  did  they  say  He  was?   Was  that  true? 

How  much  longer  were  they  in  the  boat? 
(John  6:21.)  How  did  they  get  to  land 
so  quickly?  If  one  is  "all  at  sea,"  storm- 
driven,  toiling  fruitlessly  against  wind  and 
wave,  whom  must  he  take  on  board  if  he 
wishes  to  get  speedily  and  safely  to  land? 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


111 


How  was  our  Lord  received  in  Gennesaret? 
How  did  the  people  show  their  wisdom? 
Their  faith?  What  was  the  result  of 
touching  our  Lord?  How  can  any  one  be 
made  whole  today? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

Son  of  man,  23 ;  Son  of  God,  26,  31, 
2,2,;  His  humility,  love  of  solitude, 
dependence  upon  the  Father,  22,  23; 
teaches  His  disciples  their  weakness 
and  dependence  by  trial,  22,  29 ; 
sends  His  disciples  out  into  the 
storm,  to  pull  against  the  wind,  22, 
24;  sees  them  while  in  the  storm, 
25;  upholds  them  by  His  prayers 
while  storm-tossed  and  toiling,  23-26; 
comes  to  them  in  the  storm,  25 ; 
speaks  comfort  and  cheer,  27;  enters 
the  boat  with  them,  brings  calm,  32; 
brings  them  safely  and  speedily  to 
land,  34;  answers  prayer,  promptly, 
stretches  both  His  hands  to,  takes 
hold  of,  saves  the  sinking  man,  30,  31. 

2.  The    disciples. 

Sent  from  the  place  of  refreshment  to 
place  of  conflict,  obeyed  and  went, 
22;  sore  distressed,  pulled  bravely 
against  the  wind,  24;  did  not  recog- 
nize   our    Lord    as    He    drew    near, 


feared,  26;  reassured  by  Him,  27; 
received  Him  into  the  boat,  32 ; 
found  calm  and  a  harbor,  34;  wor- 
shipped  Him,  33. 

3.  Peter. 

His  desire  to  get  to  our  Lord,  to  dis- 
play himself,  28,  29;  believed,  walked 
on  the  waves,  29;  got  his  eyes  off 
from  Jesus  upon  the  wind,  his  faith 
faltered,  was  afraid,  began  to  sink, 
cried  unto  the  Lord,  upheld,  his  un- 
belief rebuked,  30,  31. 

4.  Prayer. 

(i)  When  to  pray: 
In  the  stillness  of  the  night,  after  ex- 
haustive   labors,    in    times    of    emer- 
gency, 23;  when  sinking,  30. 

(2)  Where  to  pray: 

In  the  mountain  alone  with  God,  23; 
in  the  tumult,  30. 

(3)  How  to  pray: 

Sometirnes  protractedly,  23-25;  some- 
times briefly,  definitely,  personally,  to 
the  point,  in  faith,  30,  31. 

(4)  The  need  of  prayer: 
The  Son  of  God  prayed,  23. 

(5)  Results  of  prayer: 

Walking  on  the  waves,  25 ;  deliverance 
from  destruction,  30,  31 ;  brings  rest 
better  than  sleep,  22. 


LESSON  51. 

Discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life.    John  6:22-51. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Seeking  the  food  that  perisheth,  vv. 
22-34. 

What  is  the  multitude  represented  as 
doing  in  the  opening  verses  of  the  lesson? 
Was  it  really  Himself  they  were  seeking? 
Is  there  any  of  that  sort  of  seeking  today? 
What    noticeable    change    is    made    in    the 


Revised  Version  in  v.  26?  What  is  taught 
by  the  use  of  the  word  "signs"  instead  of 
miracles  as  to  the  deeper  purpose  of  the 
wonders  our  Lord  wrought?  What  was  all 
the  people  had  seen  in  these  deeds  of  power? 
What  did  He  wish  them  to  see  in  them? 
If  they  had  seen  "in  the  bread  the  sign" 
and    not    "in    the    sign    only    the    bread," 


112 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


what  difference  would  there  have  been  in 
their  seeking  Him?  What  was  the  charac- 
ter of  the  food  upon  which  their  eyes  and 
desire  were  set?  What  is  the  inevitable 
consequence  of  laboring  merely  for  "the 
meat  which  perisheth"?  What  other  food 
is  there  ?  From  whom  must  this  better  food 
be  received?  As  what  must  it  be  received? 
(Ro.  6:23;  Eph.  2:8;  V.  27.)  In  what 
sense  are  we  to  labor  for  it? 

As  a  sign  or  type  of  what  were  the  mul- 
tiplied loaves  intended?  What  will  be  the 
result  of  eating  this  "meat  which  endureth, 
etc."?  (vv.  51,  58.)  What  proof  had  they 
that  the  Son  of  man  would  give  them  this 
bread?  How  had  the  Father  sealed  Him? 
(John  1:33,  34;  5:36,  ZT,  10:37,  38;  Acts 
2:22;  Matt.  3:17;  Eph.  4:30)-  If  any  one 
rejects  Him  whom  the  Father  has  so  clear- 
ly "sealed,"  what  does  it  show?  (John 
15:24.) 

What  question  on  the  part  of  the  multi- 
tude did  our  Lord's  words  about  laboring 
"for  that  meat  which  endureth,  etc."  awak- 
en? How  did  they  evidently  think  the 
bread  was  to  be  obtained?  (Matt.  19:16; 
Luke  10:25;  Acts  2:37;  g:6;  16:30.)  Was 
it  to  be  gained  by  "works"?  What  is 
the  one  work  God  requires  as  the  condi- 
tion of  obtaining  this  bread?  (John  3:16- 
18,  z(>;  Acts  16:31;  Eph.  2:8.)  What  did 
His  hearers  demand  as  a  condition  of 
believing  upon  Him?  What  made  this 
demand  especially  unreasonable  at  this 
particular  time?  (vv.  10,  14.)  Are  the 
demands  of  modern  skeptics  as  a  condi- 
tion of  their  behaving  any  more  reason- 
able? What  greatest  of  all  signs  did  they 
have  before  their  eyes  at  that  very  mo- 
ment (v.  36)  ?  By  a  reference  to  what 
did  they  seek  to  reinforce  their  demand 
for  a  sign?  Of  what  did  He  show  them 
that    the    manna    was    merely    the    type? 


What  are  the  two  characteristics  of  the 
Bread  of  God   (v.  zz)  ? 

Did  His  hearers  understand  at  all  what 
our  Lord  meant  by  "the  Bread  of  God"? 
(John  4:15-)  If  they  had  understood 
would  they  have  said:  "Lord,  evermore 
give  us  this  bread"?  Does  the  world  wish 
this  Bread  of  God  today? 

2.     Offering  the  Bread  of  life,  vv.  35-51. 

What  did  He  explain  to  them  the  Bread 
of  life  was?  What  did  He  say  that  He 
would  perfectly  and  permanently  satisfy? 
Is  there  any  distinction  in  thought  brought 
out  by  the  words  "hunger"  and  "thirst"? 
Is  there  any  difference  between  coming  to 
Jesus  and  believing  on  Jesus?  Had  they 
seen  this  true  Bread  (v.  36)  ?  Had  they 
appreciated  what  it  was?  Why  not?  Why 
do  not  men  appreciate  and  believe  in  this 
Bread  today?  Who  did  our  Lord  say 
certainly  would  come  to  Him?  Who  are 
they  whom  the  Father  gives  to  Him  (v. 
45)  ?  What  is  the  best  way  to  prove  that 
one  is  one  of  these?  What  would  be 
the  result  if  any  one  did  come  (v.  37)  ? 
Suppose  that  one  who  had  "sinned  away 
his  day  of  grace"  should  come?  What 
little  phrase  of  three  words  in  v.  37  makes 
it  absolutely  certain  that  whosoever  comes 
will  be  fully  received?  Why  will  our  Lord 
in  nowise  cast  him  out  (v.  38)  ?  What 
is  the  Father's  will?  Who  is  it  the  will 
of  the  Father  should  have  eternal  life? 
What  word  does  the  Revised  Version  sub- 
stitute for  "seeth"?  What  is  the  force  of 
that  change?  Where  can  we  behold  the 
Son  today?  (i  John  1:1-3;  John  20:31; 
2  Tim.  3:15.)  Who  must  show  Christ  in 
Scripture  if  we  are  really  to  behold  and 
believe?  (John  15:26;  16:14.)  What  will 
our  Lord  do  for  the  one  who  beholds  Him 
and  believes  in  Him? 

How  did  the  Jews  receive  this  declara- 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


113 


tion?  What  was  the  objection  they  made? 
Are  there  any  today  who  stumble  over 
the  doctrine  that  a  man  of  human  parent- 
age should  also  be  of  divine  origin?  Did 
our  Lord  know  what  was  passing  in  tlieir 
minds?  What  did  He  tell  them  was  the 
real  ground  of  their  difficulty  (vv.  44,  45)  ? 
What  is  absolutely  necessary  before  any 
man  can  come  to  Him?  What  will  He 
do  for  the  one  whom  the  Father  draws  to 
Him?  Who  begins  the  work  of  salvation? 
Who  completes  it?  How  is  this  drawing 
effected  (v.  45)  ?  Does  "all"  in  v.  45  mean 
that  all  men  shall  "be  taught  of  God,"  or 
does  it  mean  that  all  who  come  are  "taught 
of  God,"  or  drawn  of  the  Father,  and  owe 
their  coming  to  that  fact?  (See  the  pas- 
sage quoted,  Is.  54:13,  and  its  context,  and 
note  the  context  here.)  Who  are  they  who 
are  really  drawn  of  the  Father  and  "taught 
of  God"?  Whose  fault  then  is  it  if  we  are 
not  drawn  and  taught  and  do  not  come  and 
do  not  get  eternal  life?  (John  5:40.)  What 
does  he  who  hears  from  the  Father,  etc., 
get  (v.  47)  ?    When? 

What  contrast  does  our  Lord  draw  be- 
tween the  effects  of  eating  the  manna  and 
eating  Himself  (vv.  48-50)  ?  What  similar 
contrast  does  He  draw  elsewhere?  (John 
4:13,  14.)  What  is  the  bread  that  He 
gives?  How  is  His  flesh  bread  that  brings 
everlasting  life?  (i.  i  Peter  2:24;  INLitt. 
20:28;  Eph.  5:2,  25;  Heb.  10:12,  20;  John 
1:29;  3:16;  2  Cor.  5:21;  I  John  2:2;  4:10, 
14;  Ex.  12:7,  13.  ii.  Ex.  12:8;  John  6:53- 
57;  I  Cor.  10:16,  17.)  What  will  you  do 
with  this  bread— eat  and  live  forever,  or 
reject  and  perish? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     The   Father. 

Invisible  to  man,  visible  to  the  Son, 
46;  sent  the  Son,  38,  39;  gives 
the    true    Bread    from    heaven— His 


Son,  32;  sealed  the  Son  whom  He 
sent,  27;  gives  to  our  Lord  all  who 
hearken  to  and  learn  from  Himself, 
S7,  49;  draws  to  the  Son  all  whom 
He  has  given  to  Him,  44,  37;  Him- 
self teaches  all  those  whom  He  has 
given,  45. 
His  will — that  Qirist  should  not  lose 
a  single  member  of  that  which  He 
has  given  Him;  that  Christ  should 
raise  up  every  member  of  the  body 
He  has  given  Him,  that  every  one 
who  beholdeth  and  believeth  on  the 
Son  should  have  eternal  life,  39,  40. 

2.     Our  Lord. 

(i)  What  He  is: 
Son  of  God,  32,  40;  Son  of  man,  27; 
sent  by  the  Father,  perfectly  devoted 
to  His  will,  38;  came  down  from 
heaven,  33 ;  reads  men's  hearts,  43 ; 
Himself  the  great  sign  of  which  the 
multiplied  loaves  were  only  a 
shadow,  36;  Himself  the  reality  of 
which  the  manna  was  only  the  type, 
31-33- 
(2)  What  He  gives: 
Life  unto  the  world,  33;  the  meat 
which  endureth  unto  eternal  life,  27; 
never-failing  strength  to  all  who 
come  to  Him,  never-failing  peace  to 
all  who  believe  on  Him,  35. 

J.     The  Bread   of  life. 

Should  be  that  which  we  seek  rather 
than  the  meat  which  perisheth ;  given 
by  the  Son  of  man,  27;  Jesus  Him- 
self the  Bread  of  life,  35;  from 
heaven,  the  Bread  of  God,  giveth 
life  unto  the  world,  32,  33;  whoever 
eats  never  hungers,  35;  never  dies, 
50,  51;  to  be  received  by  faith,  27- 
30,  35. 

4.     Coming  to  Jesus. 

(i)  False  coming— for  earthly  gain,  26; 
true  coming — for  Himself,  35- 


114 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


(2)  What  necessary  in  order  to  come — 
That  the  Father  draw  us,  that  we 
listen  to  and  learn  of  Him,  44,  45. 

(3)  Who  come — all  whom  the  Father 
has  given  to  Jesus,  Z7- 

(4)  Results  of  coming — received,  37; 
never-failing  strength  given,  hunger 
and  thirst  forever  satisfied,  35;  res- 
urrection, 44. 

5.  Those  whom  the  Father  has  given. 
(i)  Who  they  are: 

Those  who  hear  and  learn  of  the 
Father,  those  who  are  taught  of 
God,  45. 

(2)  What  they  do: 

Come  to  Jesus,  37;  behold  the  Son, 
believe  on  the   Son,  40. 

(3)  What  they  get: 

Welcome,  37;  eternal  life,  40;  eternal 
security— the  Father's  will  that  none 
be  lost,  the  Son's  work  to  raise  all 
up,  39- 

6.  The  saved. 

Those  who  are  given  by  the  Father  to 
the  Son,  37;  drawn  by  the  Father  to 
the  Son,  44;  taught  of  God,  45;  who 
have  heard  and  learned  of  the 
Father,  45;  come  to  Jesus,  37;  be- 
lieve on  the  Son,  40,  47;  eat  the 
Bread  of  life,  50,  51. 


7.     Tlie    mass   of   men. 

Seek  Jesus  for  loaves,  but  not  for 
spiritual  blessing,  24-26;  seek  the 
meat  which  perisheth,  but  not  that 
which  endureth  unto  eternal  life,  27; 
think  the  Bread  of  life  is  to  be 
gained  by  good  works,  28;  require 
further  signs  before  they  believe 
when  signs  already  abound  and  our 
Lord  Himself  is  the  great  sign,  30, 
33,  36;  see  Him,  but  believe  not,  36; 
stumble  and  murmur  at  His  doc- 
trine, 41 ;  stumble  at  His  deity  veiled 
in  His  humanity,  42;  do  not  hearken 
to  and  learn  from  the  Father,  and 
so  are  not  taught  or  drawn  by  Him, 
do  not  come  and  believe,  and  so  do 
not  get  eternal  life  and  resurrection, 
44,  45.  37,  39. 

Note. — It  is  hoped  that  no  one  will 
be  satisfied  with  this  meagre  outline,  but 
will  ponder  these  verses  long  and  deeply 
for  himself.  The  writer  never  feels  the 
limitations  of  his  own  knowledge  more 
keenly  than  when  he  approaches  the  6th 
chapter  of  John.  He  sees  many  wonderful 
truths  here,  but  feels  that  there  are  also 
great  depths  that  he  has  not  begun  to 
fathom. 


LESSON  52. 
The  Results  of  Our  Lord's  Discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life.    John  6:52-71. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.  Eating  the  flesh  and  drinking  the 
blood  of  our  Lord,  vv.  5^-59- 

What  was  the  first  result  of  His  won- 
derful discourse  (v.  52)  ?  Did  His  words 
cause  strife  on  any  other  occasion?  (7:40- 
43;  9:16;  10:19.)  Is  it  anything  against 
one's  teaching  that  his  words  cause  discus- 
sion and  contention?     What  question  puz- 


zled the  hearers  of  our  Lord?  Why  could 
they  not  understand?  (i  Cor.  2:14.)  Are 
His  words  in  this  instance  difficult  to  un- 
derstand? Did  He  explain  their  meaning? 
What  was  the  explanation  (vv.  53,  54)  ? 
What  did  He  say  would  be  the  result  of 
any  one's  eating  His  flesh  and  drinking 
His  blood  (v.  54)?  How  does  He  fell 
us     elsewhere     that     one     obtains     eternal 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


115 


life?  (vv.  39,  40-47;  John  5:24;  3:36.) 
How  then  do  we  eat  His  flesh  and 
drink  His  blood?  In  what  way  does 
this  bring  to  us  eternal  life?  (Gal. 
3:13;  2  Cor.  5:21;  I  Peter  2:24;  Heb.  9: 
22.)  How  do  we  appropriate  to  ourselves 
the  good  there  is  in  any  article  of  food? 
How  do  we  appropriate  to  ourselves  the 
life  that  has  been  purchased  for  us  by 
the  offering  of  the  body  and  the  shedding 
of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ?  (Ro.  3:25, 
R.  V.)  In  what  ordinance  of  the  church 
is  set  forth  the  truth  that  our  Lord  here 
teaches?  (Matt.  26:26-28.)  Can  one  par- 
take of  the  Lord's  supper  without  really 
eating  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man  and 
drinking  His  blood?  (i  Cor.  11:27-29,  R. 
V.) 

What  will  be  the  result  if  a  man  does 
not  eat  the  flesh  of  Jesus  and  drink  His 
blood?  (v.  53;  compare  3:36;  i  John  5: 
12.)  What  will  be  the  result  if  one  does? 
(v.  54.)  How  many  of  these  obtain  eter- 
nal life?  Is  eternal  life  something  they 
have  hereafter  or  something  they  have 
now?  (3:36;  5:24.)  What  will  our  Lord 
do  for  them  hereafter?  When  does  the 
resurrection  of  believers  take  place?  (v. 
54;  I  Thess.  4:16.)  Whom  did  our  Lord 
say  earlier  in  His  discourse  He  would 
raise  up  at  the  last  day  (v.  40)  ?  What 
does  He  say  about  His  flesh  and  His 
blood  in  v.  55,  R.  V.  margin?  Why  is 
His  flesh  meat  indeed  and  His  blood  true 
drink? 

What  further  result  comes  from  eating 
the  flesh  and  drinking  the  blood  of  our 
Lord?  (v.  56,  R.  v.;  14:20,  23;  15:4,  5; 
17:21-23;  Eph.  3:17;  I  John  3:24;  4:12, 
15,  16,  R.  V.)  Have  you  eaten  His  flesh 
and  drank  His  blood?  What  does  He  call 
God  in  V.  57?  What  is  meant?  (Jer.  10: 
10;  I  John  1:9;  Heb.  9:14-)     How  did  our 


Lord  say  He  lived?  (v.  57,  R.  V. ;  2  Cor. 
13:4.)  What  thought  does  this  teach  us 
as  to  the  relation  of  the  Son  to  the  Father? 
Has  Jesus  Christ  life  in  Himself?  (5:26.) 
How  did  He  come  to  have  life  in  Himself? 
(5:26.)  While  He  lived  because  of  the 
Father,  how  does  the  one  who  eateth  Him 
live  (v.  57,  R.  V.)  ?  How  does  He  sum 
His  teaching  up  in  v.  58?  What  type  of 
Jesus  as  the  Bread  of  life  is  found  in  the 
Old  Testament?  At  what  point  did  the 
type  fall  short  of  the  reality  (v.  58)  ?  If 
one  wishes  to  live  forever,  what  must  he 
do    (v.  58)? 

Where  did  our  Lord  teach  these  things? 
Was  He  in  the  habit  of  teaching  in  the 
synagogue?      (ch.    18:20). 

^.  Our  Lord  forsaken  by  many  of  His 
disciples,    vv.    60-66. 

What  comment  did  many  of  His  disciples 
make  upon  these  words?  What  did  they 
mean  by  calling  it  a  hard  saying?  Was  if 
a  hard  saying?  Are  there  things  difficult 
to  understand  in  the  words  of  our  Lord 
and  in  other  Scriptures?  (Heb.  5:11;  2 
Peter  3:16.)  Is  that  any  reason  why  we 
should  not  believe  them?  Why  are  the 
Scriptures  difficult  for  us  to  understand? 
(Heb.  5:11;  I  Cor.  2:14.)  How  can  we 
come  to  understand  them?  (John  7:17; 
14:26;    16:12,   13;   I   John  2:20,  27.) 

How  did  our  Lord  know  that  His  dis- 
ciples were  murmuring  at  His  teaching? 
(vv.  61,64;  2:24,25;  Heb.  4:13;  Rev.  2:23.) 
What  does  it  prove  about  Him  that  He 
knew  the  thoughts  of  men?  (2  Chron. 
6:30.)  What  did  He  say  when  He  read 
the  hearts  of  His  disciples  and  saw  they 
were  murmuring  at  His  teaching  (vv.  61, 
62,  R.  V.)  ?  What  was  the  point  of  this 
question?  Has  He  ascended  to  where  He 
was  before?  (Mark  16:19;  Luke  24:51; 
Acts    1:9;    Eph.    4:8-10;     I    Peter    3:22.) 


116 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Where  had  He  been  before  He  came  into 
this  world?  (3:13;  16:28;  17:5;  Phil.  2:6, 
Am.  R.  V.)  What  is  it  that  makes  alive? 
(v.  63;  Ro.  8:2;  2  Cor.  3:6;  Gal.  5:25.) 
From  whom  does  all  life  come?  What  did 
He  say  of  the  words  that  He  spoke  (v. 
63)  ?  In  what  sense  are  His  words  spirit 
and  life?  (v.  68;  12:50;  Ps.  119:50,  93; 
Heb.  4:12,  R.  v.;  Jas.  1:18;  I  Peter  1:23.) 
What  instrument  does  the  Holy  Spirit  use 
in  quickening  or  imparting  life? 

What  did  our  Lord  say  of  some  that  pro- 
fessed to  be  His  disciples?  (vv.  64,  36,  61; 
5:42;  8:23,  38-47;  10:26;  13:10,  18-21.) 
Are  there  any  today  among  His  professed 
followers  who  do  not  really  believe?  Do 
you  really  believe?  Was  He  surprised? 
How  had  He  known?  (2:24,25;  Ps.  139: 
2-4.)  Does  He  today  know  who  among  His 
disciples  are  real?     (2  Tim.  2:19;  Heb.  4: 

13.) 

What  was  the  effect  of  this  teaching  upon 
many  of  His  disciples?  Were  those  who 
went  back  real  disciples?  (John  8:31.) 
Who  else  in  the  Bible  was  deserted  by 
many  of  his  professed  disciples?  (2  Tim. 
1:15;  4:10.)  Does  it  prove  that  one  is  not 
a  true  and  skillful  teacher  that  many  of  his 
disciples  afterwards  desert  him?  Why  did 
many  of  our  Lord's  disciples  desert  Him? 
(Matt.  13:20,  21.)  Did  any  of  His  ap- 
parently enthusiastic  disciples  desert  Him 
after  this?  (Matt.  19:20-22;  21:8-11; 
27:20-25.)  What  judgment  did  He  pro- 
nounce in  another  place  upon  those  who 
turn  back?  (Luke  9:62)  What  does  it 
prove  when  one  deserts  Him?  (i  John 
2:19.)  Will  those  who  really  believe  ever 
go  back?     (Heb.  10:38,  39) 

5.  "To  whom  shall  ive  go?  Thou  hast 
the  zvords  of  eternal  life"  vv.  67-71. 

What  question  did  our  Lord  put  to  the 
Twelve  when  He  saw  the  multitude  desert- 
ing Him?   To  whom  does  He  put  that  ques- 


tion today?  What  was  Peter's  answer?  Is 
there  any  one  else  to  whom  we  can  go  if 
we  leave  the  Lord?  (Acts  4:12;  Ps.  73:25; 
I  John  5:11-13.)  What  did  Peter  say  our 
Lord  had?  What  is  meant  by  "words  of 
eternal  life"?  (5:24;  20:31;  i  John  5:13; 
Ro.  10:17.)  Do  His  words  really  bring 
eternal  life  to  those  who  receive  them? 
What  confession  of  faith  did  Peter  make? 
Is  a  similar  confession  found  anywhere 
else?  (1:29,  41,  45-49;  11:27;  20:28,  31; 
Matt.  16:16.)  Why  did  the  confession 
mean  more  now  than  on  former  occasions? 
Did  Peter  go  beyond  believing  that  Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God?  Was  he 
right?  Are  you  sure  that  Jesus  is  the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God? 

What  did  Jesus  say  of  one  of  the  twelve? 
What  did  He  mean  by  saying  that  Judas 
Iscariot  was  a  devil?  (13:2;  8:44;  13:27; 
Acts  13:10;  I  John  3:8.)  Did  He  ever  call 
any  one  of  the  other  disciples  a  devil? 
(Matt.  16:23.) 

CL.^SSTFICATION   OF   TEx\CHINGS. 

1.  The  Father. 

Living,  source  of  all  life,  sent  the  Son, 
57;  gives  to  man  to  come  unto  the 
Son,  65. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 

(i)  What  He  was: 
Divine,  Son  of  the  living  Father, 
knew  men's  thoughts,  pre-existent, 
60-64,  69,  71 ;  human— had  flesh  and 
blood,  54,  55,  56 ;  Son  of  man,  54,  56, 
62;  subordinate  to,  lived  by,  sent  by 
the  Father,  57;  the  Christ,  69;  the 
true  bread  that  came  down  from 
heaven,  58. 

(2)  Llis  relation  to  man: 
No  life  can  be  had  except  through 
Him,  53 ;  every  one  who  eats  His 
flesh  and  drinks  His  blood  has 
eternal  life,  54;  His  flesh  true  meat 
and   His   blood   true   drink,    55;    He 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


1]7 


dwells  in  the  one  who  eats  His  flesh 
and  drinks  His  blood,  56. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

Taught  in  the  synagogues,  51 ;  im- 
parted eternal  life  to  those  who  fed 
upon  Him,  58;  knew  men's  thoughts, 
61,  64,  70,  71  ;  chose  the  Twelve, 
chose  a  devil  among  the  Twelve,  70; 
spoke  words  of  eternal  life,  68;  as- 
cended again  to  the  Father,  62. 

(4)  What  He  will  do  : 

He  will  raise  up  at  the  last  day  every 
one  who  eats  His  flesh  and  drinks 
His  blood,  54. 

(5)  How  He  was  treated: 
Murmured  at  by  many  of  His  disciples, 

60,  61  ;  betrayed  b}^  one  of  the 
Twelve,  64,  70,  71 ;  forsaken  by 
many  disciples,  66. 

(6)  His  words: 

Sometimes  hard  to  understand,  60 ;  are 


spirit  and  life,  63;  sometimes  led 
professed  disciples  to  desert  Him,  66; 
bring  eternal  life,  68. 

The  Spirit. 

He  quickeneth,  63. 

The  disciples. 
(i)  Professed  but  not  real  disciples: 
Did  not  understand  His  teachings,  52; 
murmured,  61 ;  stumbled  at,  60 ;  did 
not  really  believe  His  teachings,  64; 
deserted,  walked  no  more  with  Him, 
66. 

(2)  True  disciples: 
Recognized  that  our  Lord  had  the 
words  of  eternal  life,  had  no  one 
else  to  whoin  to  go  except  to  Jesus 
Christ  Himself,  68;  believed  and 
knew  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  the  living  God,  69. 


LESSON  53. 

Our  Lord  Exposes  the  Traditions  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees. 
23.    (Compare  Matthew  15:1-20.) 


Mark  7:1- 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  Word  of  God  and  the  traditions 
of  men  contrasted,  vv.  1-13. 

Who  were  gathered  together  unto  our 
Lord?  How  far  did  they  come?  For  what 
purpose?  Did  they  display  their  hostility 
to  Him  on  any  other  occasion?  (2:6; 
2,:6,  22;  8:11;  Luke  5:17-22;  ii:S3,  54; 
Matt.    19:3.) 

Of  what  did  the  Pharisees  and  scribes 
take  a  special  note  (v.  2)  ?  What  did  they 
think  of  that?  Why  did  it  appear  to  them 
so  outrageous  that  His  disciples  should 
eat  with  unwashen  hands  (v.  3)  ?  Why 
were  they  so  scrupulous  about  the  washing 
of  their  hands  before  eating?  Was  it 
ordinary  dirt  of  which  they  were  afraid? 
Was   the   washing   for   hygienic   purposes? 


For  what  purpose  then  was  it?  What  did 
the  Pharisees  do  before  they  ate  every 
time  they  came  in  from  contact  with  ordi- 
nary people?  (Note  the  Greek  word  used 
in  V.  4  for  "wash,"  R.  V.  margin.)  What 
did    they   "baptize"    beside    themselves? 

What  question  did  the  Pharisees  and 
scribes  put  to  our  Lord?  Was  that  a 
proper  question?  With  what  question  did 
He  reply?  (Matt.  15:3.)  When  ought 
we  to  walk  according  to  the  tradition  of 
the  elders?  According  to  our  Lord's  ques- 
tion, when  ought  we  to  transgress  the 
traditions  of  the  elders?  Had  the  scribes 
and  Pharisees  ever  complained  before  of 
the  conduct  of  His  disciples?  (2:i6-i8.'> 
What  did  He  call  His  questioners  (v.  6)  ? 
Did   He  on   any  other  occasion  call  them 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE    AND   TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


hypocrites?  (Matt.  23:13-15;  Luke  11:39- 
44.)  What  does  "hypocrite"  mean?  Who 
had  already  described  these  Pharisees  and 
scribes?  (Is.  29:13.)  With  what  did  they 
honor  God?  With  what  ought  they  to 
have  honored  Him?  What  did  He  through 
the  prophet  Isaiah  say  concerning  their 
hearts?  (Compare  Ezek.  33:31;  2  Tim. 
3:5;  Titus  1:16;  Jas.  2:14-17.)  What  does 
God  demand  that  we  give  Him?  (Prov. 
23:26;  4:23.)  Which  is  more  important 
— that  we  honor  God  with  our  heart  or  with 
our  lips?  If  our  heart  is  full  of  love  to 
God,  will  we  also  honor  Him  with  our  lips? 
Was  their  worship  acceptable  to  God?  (v. 
7;  James  1:26.)  Why  was  it  vain?  How 
many  times  in  this  lesson  do  we  find  essen- 
tially this  same  charge  brought  by  our 
Lord  against  the  Pharisees  (vv.  8,  9,  13)  ? 
What  had  they  left  (v.  8,  R.  V.)?  For 
what  purpose?  Are  there  any  Pharisees 
and  scribes  in  our  churches  today?  W^hat 
has  superior  authority  to  human  tradition, 
no  matter  how  venerable  that  tradition  may 
be?  What  three  phrases  does  our  Lord 
use  in  describing  their  treatment  of  the 
Word  of  God  (vv.  8,  9,  13)?  Are  there 
any  who  treat  the  Word  of  God  in  that 
way  today?  Was  it  a  customary  thing  in 
Israel  to  reject  the  commandment  of  God? 
(2  Kings  16:10-16;  Is.  24:5;  Jer.  44:16,  17; 
Ps.    119:126.) 

What  teaching  of  the  law  did  our  Lord 
contrast  with  the  teaching  of  the  Pharisees? 
How  had  God  especially  emphasized  this 
law?  (Ex.  20:12;  Eph.  6:1,  2.)  What  did 
the  law  of  Moses  require  should  be  done 
with  those  who  spoke  evil  of  father  or 
mother?  (v.  10;  Ex.  21:17;  Lev.  20:9; 
Deut.   27:16;    Prov.  20:20;   30:17) 

What  does  our  Lord  here  call  "the  Word 
of  God"  (v.  13)  ?  Had  He  quoted  from 
any   other   part   of   the    Pentateuch  beside 


the  Ten  Commandments?  What  does  He 
then  call  the  law  of  Moses?  Did  He  ever 
teach  on  any  other  occasion  that  the  law 
of  Moses  was  the  inerrant  Word  of  God? 
(Matt.  S:i8.)  Are  there  any  who  today 
say  it  is  not  the  Word  of  God?  Between 
whom  then  must  we  make  our  choice?  If 
any  one  speaks  not  according  to  the  law 
and  the  testimony  why  is  it?  (Is.  8:20; 
Jer.  8:8,   9.) 

2.  Inward  and  outward  defilement  con- 
trasted, vv.  14-23. 

After  having  answered  the  question  of 
the  Pharisees,  whom  did  our  Lord  call  to 
Himself?  What  did  He  bid  them  do?  To 
whom  does  that  command  come  today? 
What  will  be  the  result  if  we  do  not  hear 
Him?  (Deut.  18:15-19;  Acts  3:22,  23.) 
Is  it  enough  to  hear?  How  alone  can  we 
understand?  (i  Cor.  2:14;  John  16:12,  13; 
I  John  2:20,  27.) 

What  cannot  defile  a  man?  What  does 
defile  a  man?  Why  does  the  food  which 
enters  into  him  not  defile  him?  Why  does 
that  which  proceeds  from  him  defile  him? 
What  law  had  taught  that  some  kinds  of 
food  did  defile  the  one  who  ate  them? 
(Lev.  11:42-47.)  What  lesson  had  God 
intended  to  teach  by  this  Levitical  law? 
Why  was  it  no  longer  binding?  (Col.  2:16, 
17;  Ro.  10:4;  Eph.  2:14,  15.)  What  may 
a  Christian  eat  without  defilement?  (i 
Cor.  10:25;  I  Tim.  4:3-5;  Titus  1:15;  Heb. 
13:9.)  Which  is  more  important — what  a 
man  puts  into  his  mouth  or  what  comes 
out  of  his  heart?  (Prov.  4:23;  Matt. 
12:34.)  What  is  it  important  that  we  keep 
pure?  (Gal.  5:22,  23.)  If  the  heart  is 
filled  with  the  Spirit,  will  we  be  in  bondage 
to  the  ordinances  and  prescriptions  of  men? 
(Ro.  8:14,  15.) 

Did  the  disciples  at  first  understand  our 
Lord's  teaching  (v.  17)  ?     What  effect  had 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


119 


their  ignorance  upon  Him?  Has  He  any 
similar  reason  to  be  surprised  at  us?  What 
significant  change  does  the  Revised  Version 
make  in  the  closing  words  of  v.  19?  Who 
had  to  be  taught  this  same  lesson  by  a 
vision  from  heaven?      (Acts   10:9-17.) 

What  are  the  things  that  come  out  of 
the  human  heart  (vv.  21-23)  ?  What  does 
this  teach  us  about  the  unregenerate  heart? 
Have  we  similar  teaching  regarding  the 
human  heart  elsewhere  in  the  Bible?  (Gen. 
6:5;  8:21;  Ps.  14:1,  3;  58:2,  3;  Jer.  4:14; 
17:9;  Matt.  23:25-28;  Luke  16:15;  Acts 
8:22;  Ro.  8:7,  8;  Gal.  5:19-21.)  In  what 
way  is  the  exceeding  wickedness  of  covet- 
ousness  brought  out?  What  is  meant  by 
"evil  eye"?  (Deut.  15:9;  28:54,  56;  i  Sam. 
8:8,  9;   Prov.  23:6;  28:22;  Jer.  20:15.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

( 1 )  Characteristics : 
His   wisdom  as   a   teacher,  6-13,   14-23; 

contempt  for  ecclesiastical  traditions, 
7-13 ;  disregard  for  mere  outward 
ceremonials,  15-23;  high  estimation 
of  O.  T.  Scriptures— called  the  Law 
of  Moses  "the  commandment  of 
God,"  "the  word  of  God,"  8,  9,  13; 
supreme  authority — demanded  that 
men  should  hearken  to  Him,  14. 

(2)  His  method  of  judgment: 
Judged    men    by    what    was    in    their 

hearts,   15-23. 


(3)  How  He  was  treated: 
Followed  by  the  multitude,  14,  R.  V.; 
misunderstood  by  His  disciples,  17; 
watched  and  criticised  by  scribes  and 
Pharisees,  i,  2. 
Pharisees  and  scribes. 
Their  regard  for  the  tradition  of  the 
elders,  5 ;  for  external  ceremonies,  3, 
4;  hypocrites — honored  God  with 
their  lips,  but  their  hearts  were  far 
from  Him,  6;  left  the  commandment 
of  God  in  order  to  hold  fast  the 
traditions  of  men,  8;  rejected  the 
commandment  of  God  that  they 
might  keep  their  own  traditions,  9; 
made  the  Word  of  God  void  by  their 
own  traditions,  13;  their  worship 
vain,   7;   their  hatred   for  our  Lord, 

1-5- 

The  Law  of  Moses. 

The  Word  of  God,  13 ;  the  command- 
ment of  God,  8,  9;  its  ceremonial 
precepts  for  a  temporary  purpose  and 
now   done  away,   I5-I9- 

The   human    heart. 

All-important  in  the  sight  of  Christ, 
6,  15,  18-20;  the  unregenerate  heart 
thoroughly   corrupt,    21-23. 

Worship. 

The  worship  that  honors  God  with  the 
lips  while  the  heart  is  far  from  Him 
is  hypocritical,  6;  worship  built  upon 
the  precepts  of  m.en  is  vain,  7;  wor- 
ship that  comes  from  the  heart  is 
alone    acceptable,    6. 

LESSON  54. 
The  Syrophoenician  Woman.  Matthew  15:21-28.   (Compare  Mark  7 :24-30.) 

those  parts  known?  (Mark  7:24.)  Why 
did  it  become  known?  Can  it  ever  be  hid 
when  He  is  present  in  a  house? 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.    Faith  seeking  a  blessing,  vv.  21,  22. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  miracle 
laid?  For  what  purpose  did  our  Lord  de- 
part to  those  parts?  (12:15;  14:3;  IS:I2.) 
Did    He    desire    to    have    His    presence    in 


Who  came  to  Him  there?  What  brought 
her?  What  made  her  think  that  He  could 
help  her?    How  did  she  show  that  she  was 


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STUDIES   IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


in  earnest?  ("Cried,"  v.  22;  "crieth"  vv. 
23,  25,  27.)  What  was  her  prayer?  Did  He 
often  hear  that  cry?  (9:27;  I7:i5;  Luke 
17:13;  18:13.)  Did  He  ever  let  it  pass 
unheeded?  Why  did  she  cry:  "Have  mercy 
on  me"F  Why  didn't  she  cry:  "Have 
mercy  on  my  daughter"  ?  How  did  she 
address  Him?  What  did  the  title  "Son  of 
David"  mean?   (i:i;  20:30,  31;  22:42-45.) 

2.    Faith  tested,  vv.  23-26. 

What  was  Christ's  reply?  Why  did  He 
not  answer?  Did  He  answer  her  by  any- 
thing if  not  by  a  word?  What  prayer  did 
the  disciples  make  to  Him?  Why?  Did 
they  want  Him  to  heal  her  child  and  thus 
send  her  away,  or  simply  send  her  away 
without  the  blessing?  (Matt.  19:13;  Luke 
18:39.)  What  did  He  reply?  What  did 
His  answer  imply  under  the  circumstances  ? 
What  did  He  mean  by  saying  that  He  was 
sent  only  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house 
of  Israel?  (John  10:16;  Eph.  2:16,  17.) 
When  was  the  barrier  that  stood  between 
Christ  and  the  Gentiles  removed?  (Eph. 
2:1s,    16.) 

Did  she  give  up?  Suppose  she  had?  Did 
her  persistence  do  any  good?  What  is 
meant  by  "she  worshipped  Him"?  What 
was  her  prayer?  What  were  its  character- 
istics? What  did  our  Lord  reply?  What 
sentence  is  added  in  Mark's  account? 
(Mark  7:27.)  What  is  implied  by  "Let  the 
children  first  be  fed"?  What  did  He  mean 
by  "the  children's  bread"?  (Ro.  9:4.)  Was 
the  word  He  used  as  harsh  as  "dogs" 
soimds  to  us?  Was  the  Gentiles'  position 
like  that  of  a  little  dog  under  the  table 
compared  with  Israel's  as  a  child  at  the 
table? 

3.  Faith  overcoming  difficulties  and  ob- 
taining the  blessing,  vv.  27,  28. 

What  did  the  woman  reply?  What  does 
the  answer  reveal?    Is  one  who  is  willing 


to  take  a  lowly  place  likely  to  get  a  blessing 
from  Christ?  (8:8;  Ps.  51:4,  5;  Luke 
15:18,  19;  23:40-42.)  Is  one  who  does 
not?  (Luke  18:11.)  What  is  the  force  of 
her  reasoning:  "The  dogs  eat  of  the 
crumbs  which  fall  from  their  master's 
table"?  In  what  sense  was  what  she 
asked  crumbs  that  fell  from  the  Master's 
table? 

What  reward  did  she  get?  What  was  it 
overcame  the  real  obstacle  that  lay  in  the 
way  of  His  granting  her  request?  What 
word  of  Christ  is  illustrated  by  that? 
(Matt.  21  :2i.)  What  did  this  woman's 
faith  make  her?  (Gal.  3:7.)  Whose  else 
faith  did  our  Lord  commend  as  great?  (8: 
8-10.)  Where  do  we  find  the  greatest  faith 
today,  in  Christian  or  heathen  nations? 
What  does  faith  usually  get?  (8:13;  9:29; 
Mark  5:34;  9:23;  Luke  7:50;  18:42,  43; 
John  4:50-53-)  When  was  her  daughter 
healed?  Where  can  any  one  find  deliver- 
ance from  Satan's  power?  How  can  he 
get  it? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord  Jesus. 

His    nature — divine,    25;    human,   27. 

His  office — Messiah,  22;  sent  of  God, 
24- 

His  desire  for  solitude ;  could  not  be 
hid,   21,    22. 

His  mission — first  to  the  Jew,  23,  24, 
26;  then  to  the  Gentile,  26. 

His   fidelity  to   His   mission,   24. 

His  compassion — could  not  send  the 
needy  away  unhelped,  23,  24;  healed 
the    suflferer,   28. 

His  justice — demanded  that  the  woman 
take  her  right  place  before  He  grant- 
ed the  desired  blessing,  26. 

What  He  does— tries  faith,  23,  24; 
answers  prayer;  gives  faith  all  it 
asks ;  commends  faith ;  heals  the 
sick,  28;  delivers  from  Satan's  power 


STUDIES   IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


121 


those   who   are  grievously   vexed  by 
him,  22,  28. 

2.    The  Syrophocmcxan  woman. 
(i)     Her  position: 

Outside  the  covenant  promises  and 
blessings,  22,  24,  27;  in  sore  distress, 
22;   no  helper,  25. 

(2)  What  she  did  : 

Believed  in  Jesus  as  the  Messiah,  came 
to  Him,  at  first  on  wrong  grounds, 
prayed,  believed,  22,  28;  worshipped, 
persisted,  25-27;  humbled  herself  and 
took  her  rightful  place,  27. 

(3)  What  she  got: 

Testing,  instruction,  23-26;   commenda- 
tion, blessing,  28. 
Another  arrangement: 
(i)     Her  trouble,  22. 

(2)  Her    hindrances : 

Her  position  as  a  heathen,  22,  24;  the 
unsympathetic  disciples,  the  seemingly 
unheeding  Saviour,  23. 

(3)  Her  mistake: 

Came  as  one  within  the  covenant,  22-24. 

(4)  Her  faith: 

Great,  28;  prayerful,  persistent,  22,  25; 
prevailing,  24,  28. 


(5)  Her  prayer: 

Earnest,  22,  22;  direct,  brief,  personal, 
25  ;  definite,  22,  25 ;  humble,  persistent, 
22,  25,   27;   believing,   prevailing,   28. 

(6)  Her  humility: 

Took  the  dog's  place,  27. 

(7)  Her  victory: 
Immediate,  complete,  28. 

3.  The    daughter. 

What  she  was — in  Satan's  power,  griev- 
ously tormented,  22. 

What  she  had — a  believing,  praying 
mother,  22. 

What  was  done  for  her — taken  in  pray- 
er to  Jesus,  22,  25,  27. 

What  she  got — immediate  and  complete 
deliverance,  28. 

4.  Faith. 

Where  found — often  where  least  ex- 
pected, 22,  28. 

In  whom  rooted — Jesus,  22. 

How  manifested — in  coming  to,  pray- 
ing to,  holding  on  to,  expecting  much 
from  Jesus,  22,  25,  27. 

What  it  accomplishes — overcomes  seem- 
ingly insurmountable  obstacles,  24; 
obtains  all  it  asks,  pleases  Christ, 
wins  commendation,  28. 


LESSON  55. 

Our  Lord  in  Decapolis:  Healing  the  Sick,  Opening  the  Ears  of  the  Deaf, 

Giving  Speech  to  the  Dumb,  Feeding  the  Hungry.     Matthew 

15  :29-31 ;  Mark  7 :31  to  8:10.    (Compare  Matthew 

15:32-39.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  The  lame  walking,  the  blind  seeing, 
the  deaf  hearing,  the  dumb  speaking.  Matt. 
15:29-31;  Mark  7:31-37- 

After  healing  the  Syrophoenician  wo- 
man's daughter,  what  did  our  Lord  do? 
Why  so  soon?  Where  did  He  go?  What 
does  the  Revised  Version  say  instead  of 
"a  mountain"?    Is  there  any  significance  in 


the  change?  What  did  He  do  in  the  moun- 
tain? What  happened  then?  Why  did 
they  come  to  Him?  Whom  did  they  bring 
with  them?  Had  they  any  right  to  do  that? 
Have  we  any  warrant  for  doing  the  same 
today?  (Heb.  13:8;  Jas.  5:14.)  What  did 
they  do  with  the  lame,  blind,  dumb,  maim- 
ed? What  is  the  thought  suggested  by  the 
word    "cast"?     What    did    our    Lord    do? 


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What  was  the  effect  upon  the  multitude? 
Why  was  it  the  God  of  Israel  whom  they 
glorified?  (Ex.  15:26.) 

What  special  case  of  healing  does  Mark 
select  from  them  all  for  a  full  description? 
Is  this  the  only  case  of  a  dumb  man  healed 
recorded  in  the  Gospels?  (Matt.  9:32,  2,Z', 
Luke  11:14.)  What  did  our  Lord  do  first 
with  this  dumb  man?  What  was  His  pur- 
pose? Did  He  seek  notoriety?  How  did  He 
differ  radically  in  this  respect  from  many 
modern  healers?  What  other  miracle  does 
this  resemble  in  some  of  the  details?  (John 
9:6,  7;  Mark  8:23.)  What  was  His  purpose 
in  touching  his  tongue?  Why  did  He  look 
up  to  heaven?  (6:41;  John  11:41;  17  :i-) 
Why  did  He  sigh?  (8:12;  Luke  19:41; 
John  11:33-  35,  38;  Heb.  4:15.)  Did  He 
know  that  this  man's  misfortune  was  soon 
to  be  completely  relieved?  Why  then  was 
He  burdened  over  it?  Is  He  burdened 
over  our  sorrows  even  though  He  knows 
that  they  are  of  short  duration  and  in  part 
imaginary?  Did  His  sigh  express  any- 
thing beside  sympathy?  Did  it  cost  Him 
anything  to  perform  this  miracle?  Is  there 
any  peculiar  power  in  prayers  so  earnest 
that  they  are  accompanied  by  sighs  and 
groans?  (Ro.  8:26,  27;  15:30;  Col.  4:12, 
13,  R.  V.)  Did  our  Lord's  miracles  cost 
Him  any  suffering  or  pain?  Had  the  con- 
nection between  sin  and  sickness  anything 
to  do  with  His  sigh  on  this  and  similar 
occasions?  What  did  He  say?  What  was 
the  result?  How  was  His  unstopping  the 
ears  of  the  deaf  and  giving  speech  to  the 
dumb  proof  that  He  was  the  Messiah? 
(Is.  32:1-4;  35:4,  5;   Matt.    11:3-5.) 

What  strict  injunction  did  our  Lord  lay 
Upon  them?  What  was  His  purpose?  (1:44, 
45;  3:10-12;  5:43;  8:25,  26.)  Did  He  ever 
tell  any  one  to  witness  to  what  God  had 
done  for  him?  (Luke  8:39.)  Ought  we 
today  to  keep  to   ourselves  or  to  tell  out 


what  Christ  has  done  for  us?  (Acts  1:8.) 
What  was  the  effect  of  the  miracle  upon 
those  who  saw  it?  (i  :27;  2:12;  4:41;  5:42; 
6:51.)  Were  they  converted?  What  did 
they  say  He  did?  Who  alone  can  make  the 
dead  to  hear  and  the  dumb  to  speak?  (Ex. 
4:10,  II.) 

2.  The  feeding  of  the  four  thousand, 
Mark   8:1-9. 

What  proof  have  we  here  of  our  Lord's 
popularity  with  the  people?  For  what  pur- 
pose did  they  come  together?  Had  they  any 
real  appreciation  of  Him?  (John  6:26,  27.) 
How  did  they  prove  that  they  were  deeply 
interested?  What  was  His  feeling  toward 
this  hungry  multitude?  What  was  He  un- 
willing to  do?  Is  there  any  lesson  here  for 
us?  With  what  were  the  disciples  filled  at 
His  suggestion  that  they  should  feed 
them?  Who  else  had  been  similarly  per- 
plexed under  like  circumstances?  (Num. 
II  :2i-23;  2  Kings  4:42-44;  7:2.)  Why  was 
their  perplexity  and  anxiety  inexcusable? 
(6:35-44-). 

What  question  did  our  Lord  ask  of  the 
disciples?  What  was  its  purpose?  What 
command  did  He  give  to  the  multitude? 
(Matt.  14:18,  19.)  Why  did  that  seem  like 
a  foolish  command?  What  did  He  do  when 
the  multitude  were  seated?  What  did  He 
take?  Was  that  naturally  enough  to  go 
around?  How  much  of  what  the  disciples 
had  did  He  take  ?  How  much  that  we  have 
must  we  put  in  His  hands  if  we  wish  Him 
to  bless,  multiply  and  use  it?  Having 
taken  the  loaves,  what  did  He  do?  Ought 
we  to  return  thanks  every  time  we  eat? 
(Ro.  14:6;  I  Cor.  10:30,  31;  Col.  3:17; 
I  Tim.  4:3-5;  Acts  27:35.)  How  do  we 
know  that  there  was  something  deeply 
significant  in  the  manner  in  which  our 
Lord  returned  thanks?  (John  6:11,  23; 
Luke  24:30,  31,  35.)  Did  He  return  thanks 
for     anything    beside    the     seven     loaves? 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 


123 


Did  the  few  small  fishes  seem  of  much 
account?  Was  it  necessary  that  they  too 
be  brought?  Is  there  any  lesson  here  for 
us? 

How  bountiful  did  that  repast'  prove? 
Does  any  one  ever  go  away  hungry  from 
the  Lord's  table? 

How  was  this  feeding  of  the  four  thou- 
sand a  proof  of  the  deity  of  Christ?  What 
proof  have  we  that  this  was  a  separate 
miracle  from  the  feeding  of  the  five  thou- 
sand, and  not  merely  another  account  of 
the    same    miracle? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His   nature: 
Divine     (Matt.    15:30;    Mk.    7:27,    34, 
35;  Mark  8:1-9);  human,  34. 


(2)  His   characteristics: 

Shunned  notoriety,  :^2>',  full  of  S3mi- 
pathy,  intensely  earnest,  34;  com- 
passionate— on  the  sick,  30;  on  the 
deaf  and  dumb,  32;  on  the  hungry, 
2,  3. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

Opened  the  ears  of  the  deaf,  unstopped 
the  mouth  of  the  dumb,  Mark  7:32- 
35;  healed  the  lame,  maimed  and 
many  others.  Matt.  15  :30,  31 ;  fed  the 
hungry,  Mark  8:1-9;  fuHy  satisfied 
those  who  sat  at  His  table,  8;  multi- 
plied the  possessions  and  power  of 
His  disciples  when  they  put  all  that 
they  had  in  His  hands,  5-7;  returned 
thanks  before  meals,  for  even  the 
smallest   things,    6,    7. 


LESSON  56. 

Our  Lord  in  the  Parts  of  Dalmanutha  and  in  Bethsaida:  Answering  the 

Pharisees   and   Sadducees,  and  Healing  a  Blind  Man.     Matthew 

16:1-12  (compare  Mark  8:10-21)  ;  Mark  8:22-26. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  An  evil  and  adulterous  generation 
seeketh  for  a  sign,  Matt.  16:1-4. 

What  was  the  attitude  of  the  Pharisees 
and  Sadducees  toward  one  another?  (Acts 
23:6-8.)  In  this  lesson  what  do  we  see 
them  combining  to  do?  What  led  two 
parties  so  hostile  to  one  another  to  com- 
bine their  forces?  What  was  the  constant 
attitude  of  the  Pharisees  toward  our  Lord? 
(9:11;  12:14;  15:1,  2;  22:15,  34;  27:62, 
63.)  What  was  the  attitude  of  the  Sad- 
ducees toward  Him?  (22:23.)  With  what 
other  hostile  party  did  the  Pharisees  com- 
bine on  another  occasion  to  entangle  Him? 
(22:15,  16.)  What  was  now  their  purpose 
in  asking  Him  to  show  them  a  sign  from 
heaven?     What  did  they  mean?     Did  they 


ask  a  sign  from  Him  on  any  other  occa- 
sion? (12:38,  39;  Mark  8:11-13;  Luke 
II  :i6,  29,  30.)  Had  He  already  given  them 
any  sign  that  He  was  the  Messiah?  Why 
then  did  they  ask  a  further  sign?  Have 
we  any  sign  from  heaven  today  that  Jesus 
is  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God?  (Acts 
2:33;  5:32.)  How  did  this  demand  of 
the  Pharisees  affect  our  Lord?  (Mark 
8:12.)      Why  did  He  sigh  deeply? 

How  did  He  answer  their  demand?  How 
was  this  an  answer?  Are  there  any  today 
who  can  read  the  signs  in  the  physical 
world  but  who  are  blind  to  the  signs  in 
the  spiritual  world?  Who  can  never  un- 
derstand spiritual  things?  (i  Cor.  2:14.) 
What  were  the  signs  of  the  times  to 
which  He  referred?     What  abundant  signs 


124 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


of  the  times  had  He  given  them?  (ATatt. 
4:23;  11:5.)  What  did  He  say  that  their 
demanding  a  sign  showed  them  to  be? 
Are  there  any  today  who  demand  a  sign? 
(i  Cor.  1:22.)  What  is  sign  enough  to 
a  real  seeker  after  truth?  Had  He  ever 
told  them  on  any  other  occasion  that  seeking 
after  a  sign  was  itself  a  sign  of  an  evil 
and  adulterous  heart?  (12:39.)  What 
was  the  only  sign  that  they  should  be 
given?  What  did  He  mean  by  the  sign 
of  Jonah?  (12:39,  40.)  Is  the  resur- 
rection of  Jesus  Christ  a  sufficient  sign 
from  heaven  to  prove  His  claims?  What 
does  it  prove?  (i  Peter  1:21,  R.  V.; 
Acts  2:24-36;  17:31;  Ro.  1:4;  4:25;  I  Cor. 
4:14;  Eph.  1 :  1 8-20.) 

Having  refused  their  demand  for  a  sign, 
what  did  He  do?  Why?  (Matt.  7:6; 
compare  Gen.  6:3;  Hos.  4:17;  Acts  18:6.) 
Does  He  ever  leave  men  today?  (Heb. 
13:8;  2  Thess.  2:10-12;  Ro.  1:24,  26,  28.) 
What  is  the  worst  misfortune  that  can  be- 
fall any  man?     (Hos.  9:12.) 

2.  Beware  of  the  leaven  of  the  Phari- 
sees and   Sadducees,  vv.   5-12. 

Where  did  our  Lord  and  His  disciples 
go?  (Mark  8:13.)  What  did  the  dis- 
ciples forget?  What  did  He  say  to  them? 
What  did  He  mean  (vv.  11,  12)?  Is 
leaven  ever  used  in  the  Scriptures  of  any- 
thing good?  (Ex.  12:15-19;  Lev.  2:11; 
Mark  8:15;  Luke  12:1;  i  Cor.  5:6-8;  Gal. 
5:9.)  In  what  way  is  leaven  an  expressive 
figure  to  describe  false  doctrine?  What 
was  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees?  (Luke 
12:1;  Matt.  15:1-9,  11-18;  23:13-26.)  What 
was  the  leaven  of  the  Sadducees?  (22:23; 
Acts  23:8.)  Are  formalism  on  the  one 
hand,  and  rationalism  on  the  other  hand, 
things  against  which  the  church  and  the 
individual  believer  need  to  be  on  their 
guard  today? 


Did  the  disciples  understand  His  words? 
What  did  they  think  He  meant?  Did 
they  often  misunderstand  His  words? 
When  at  last  did  they  come  to  under- 
stand? "(John  16:12-14.)  How  alone  can 
we  understand?'  (i  John  2:20,  27.)  How 
did  He  know  that  they  said  among  them- 
selves: "We  took  no  bread"?  (John  2:24, 
25;  6:64;  16:30.)  How  much  that  we  rea- 
son in  our  hearts  does  He  know?  (Heb. 
4:13;  Rev.  2:23.)  What  does  this  prove 
Him  to  be?     (2  Chron.  6:30;  Jer.  17:9,  10.) 

What  did  He  call  His  disciples?  (Com- 
pare 6:30;  8:26;  14:31;  Mark  16:14.)  Of 
whom  might  He  well  say  it  today?  What 
memory  might  have  relieved  them  from  all 
anxiety  about  their  having  no  bread?  What 
memories  might  relieve  us  from  all  anxiety 
in  apparent  need?  By  thus  rebuking  them 
what  did  our  Lord  show?  (Rev.  3:19.) 
What  does  He  show  when  He  rebukes  us? 
What  searching  question  did  He  put  to 
them?  (See  first  eight  words  of  v.  11, 
R.  v.;  Mark  4:40;  John  8:43-)  Has  He 
ever  occasion  to  put  that  same  searching 
question  to  us? 

3.  The.  healing  of  the  blind  man  near 
Bethsaida,  Marl;  8:22-26. 

What  other  instance  in  the  life  of  our 
Lord  occurred  near  Bethsaida?  (6:45; 
Luke  9:10;  John  1:43,  44;  Matt.  11:21.) 
Did  the  blind  man  come  to  Him  of  His 
own  accord?  Why  not?  How  did  those 
that  brought  him  show  their  earnestness? 
What  did  they  ask  our  Lord  to  do?  What 
was  their  thought  in  asking  Him  to  touch 
him?  Did  His  first  touch  heal  this  man? 
Did  His  mere  touch  ever  heal?  (5:27-29; 
Matt.  8:3,  IS;  9:29.)  Why  did  not  His 
mere  touch  heal  in  this  instance?  What 
did  He  do  more  than  merely  touch  him? 
Can  we  dictate  to  our  Lord  just  how 
He  will  exercise  His  healing  power  ?    What 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


125 


did  He  do  with  the  bhnd  man?  Why? 
(7:33-36.)  Did  He  use  spittle  on  any  other 
occasion  in  healing?  (7:33;  John  9:6,  7.) 
Would  the  mere  spittle  have  opened  the 
eyes  of  the  blind  man?  How  did  the 
healing  of  this  man  differ  from  most  of  the 
cases  recorded  m  the  Gospels?  Of  what 
is  the  gradual  opening  of  his  eyes  an  illus- 
tration ?  (Prov.  4:18;  2  Peter  3:18;  i 
Cor.  13:9-12.)  Of  what  was  the  opening 
of  his  eyes  a  proof?  (Is.  29:18;  32:1-3; 
A'latt.    11:3-5.)      How   did  he   see   at   last? 

What   did   our  Lord  forbid  him  to   do? 
(See  R.  V.)     Why? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His    nature: 
Divine,  8;  human,  23. 

(2)  His  office: 
The  Messiah,  23-25. 

(3)  Characteristics: 
Compassionate — even   upon   the    Phari- 
sees and  Sadducees  (Mark  8:12)  ;  on 
the   bhnd,   22-25. 

(4)  How  He  was  treated: 

Hated  by  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees, 
I ;  sought  out  by  those  in  trouble, 
besought  to  help  when  all  human 
help  failed,  22. 

(5)  What   He   did: 

Refused  a  sign  to  those  who  shut  their 
eyes  to  the  signs  already  given,  3.  4; 
sighed  deeply  over  the  spiritual 
blindness  of  men,  Mark  8:12;  finally 
gave  up  those  who  persistently  re- 
fused to  see  the  truth,  4;  read  men's 


thoughts,  8;  warned  the  disciples  to 
take  heed  and  beware  of  the  leaven 
of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees — 
formalism  on  the  one  hand  and  skep 
ticism  on  the  other,  6;  rebuked  the 
spiritual  dullness  and  little  faith  of 
His  disciples,  8-11;  avoided  notori- 
ety, took  by  the  hand,  laid  His  hands 
upon  the  blind  man,  23;  laid  His 
hands  upon  the  blind  man's  eyes, 
25;  restored  his  sight  gradually,  23- 
25 ;  did  not  perform  all  His  mira- 
cles by  the  same  method,  22,  23. 

2.  Pharisees    and   Sadducees. 

Hated  Jesus  Christ  so  bitterly  that  they 
forgot  their  hatred  of  one  another  in 
their  hatred  toward  Him,  demanded 
a  sign  from  heaven  when  already 
there  had  been  abundant  signs,  i ; 
could  discern  the  face  of  the  sky 
but  could  not  discern  the  signs  of 
the  times,  3;  a  wicked  and  adulterous 
generation,  given  up  by  the  Saviour, 
4;  their  doctrine  corrupt,  6,   12. 

3.  The  disciples. 

Their  forgetfulness,  5;  dullness  of  ap- 
prehension, 7,  9,  10,  11;  little  faith,  8. 

4.  The    blind   man   at   Befhsaida. 

Blind,  could  not  come  of  himself  to 
our  Lord,  brought  by  others,  his 
friends  besought  our  Lord  for  him, 
22;  taken  by  the  hand  by  our  Lord, 
had  His  hands  laid  upon  him,  23; 
at  first  saw  dimly  after  He  laid 
His  hands  on  him,  24;  completely 
restored  and  saw  every  man  clearly 
when  He  laid  His  hands  upon  his 
eyes,  25. 


126 


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LESSON  57. 

Peter's  Confession  of  Jesus  as  The  Christ,  The  Son  of  The  Living  God. 

Matthew  16:13-20.     (Compare  Mark  8:27-30;  Luke  9:18-21;  John 

6:67-69.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

J.    Peter  confessing  Christ,  vv.  13-16. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  the  lesson?  How 
was  our  Lord  engaged?  (Luke  9:18.) 
What  question  did  He  put  to  His  dis- 
ciples? Why  did  He  ask  this?  Is  what 
men  think  of  Christ  an  important  matter? 
Does  this  question  engage  much  attention 
today?  Was  there  agreement  as  to  who 
He  was?  Is  there  agreement  today? 
What  were  some  of  the  opinions?  Were 
they  correct?  Are  many  of  the  opinions 
of  today  any  nearer  correct?  In  what 
did  all  the  opinions  stated  agree?  In  what 
do  almost  all  opinions  of  Christ  today 
agree  ? 

What  was  the  second  question  which 
He  put  to  His  disciples?  Which  is  the 
more  important  question  for  each  of  us — 
what  men  think  of  Christ  or  what  we 
think  of  Christ?  Why  did  He  seek  to 
have  them  express  their  conviction?  (Ro. 
10:9,  10.)  Which  of  the  disciples  answered 
His  question?  Why  Peter?  Was  he  any 
quicker  to  see  the  truth  than  others?  (John 
21:7.)  What  was  he  quicker  to  do? 
Whom  did  Peter  say  that  our  Lord  was? 
(Compare  John  1:49;  Matt.  14:33.)  What 
was  the  difference  between  the  confession 
as  here  made  and  as  made  on  former  occa- 
sions? Is  this  statement  of  Peter's  an 
important  one?  (Acts  9:20;  i  John  4:15; 
5:1,  5;  2:22.)  What  book  in  the  Bible 
was  written  for  the  express  purpose  of 
convincing  men  of  its  truth,  and  what 
is  the  result  of  a  heart-belief  of  this 
statement?  (John  20:31.)  Did  Peter 
realize    all    that    his    words    meant?      Do 


we?  Had  Peter  on  any  previous  occasion 
given  utterance  to  a  similar  confession  of 
Christ?  (John  6:69;  compare  A.  V.  and 
R.  V.)  Under  what  circumstances  will  a 
loyal  follower  of  Jesus  be  most  likely  to 
come  out  with  a  ringing  confession  of 
Him? 

2.     Christ  confessing  Peter,  vv.  17-20. 

Was  our  Lord  pleased  with  Peter's  con- 
fession of  Him?  Is  He  pleased  today 
when  we  confess  Him  with  a  sincere  heart? 
Is  He  pleased  if  we  neglect  to  confess 
Him?  (Matt.  10:33.)  How  did  He  show 
His  pleasure?  What  did  He  say  that  Peter 
was  in  view  of  this  confession?  From 
what  source  did  He  say  Peter  had  gotten 
his  knowledge?  Can  any  one  today  really 
know  Jesus  as  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God,  except  God  reveal  it  to  him? 
(i  Cor.  2:14;  12:3.)  If  then  we  wish  to 
know  the  truth  about  Jesus  to  whom  shall 
we  go  to  show  us?  (John  16:13-15.)  If 
one  comes  to  us  who  is  perplexed  as  to 
who  Jesus  is,  what  advice  shall  we  give 
him?  How  can  we  put  ourselves  in  a 
position  where  the  Father  will  reveal  it  to 
us?  (John  7:17.)  How  can  we  tell  wheth- 
er we  really  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  the  living  God,  or  not?  (i 
John  5:5;  James  2:18.) 

What  further  did  our  Lord  say  to  Peter? 
What  does  "Peter"  mean?  What  trans- 
formed Simon  Barjonas  into  Peter?  What 
is  the  great  controversy  about  this  verse 
(18)?  What  can  be  said  in  favor  of 
Peter  being  the  "rock"  meant?  What 
against  it?  If  Peter  is  the  rock,  what 
made  him  to  be  the  rock?    How  then  can 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


127 


all  become  rocks?  (i  Peter  2:4,  5.)  Who 
then  is  the  Chief  Corner-stone,  the  Rock 
upon  which  all  others  rest  and  from  which 
they  derive  their  own  strength?  (Is. 
28:16;  I  Cor.  3:11;  Eph.  2:20.)  What  is 
the  conclusion  drawn  by  Roman  Catholics 
from  this  verse?  What  can  be  said  for  it? 
What  against  it?  Who  are  the  true  suc- 
cessors of  Peter?  (Gal.  3:7.)  What  does 
"church"  mean?  What  does  Christ  say 
of  the  strength  of  the  church  built  upon 
this  rock?  What  is  meant  by  "the  gates 
of  hell"  not  prevailing  against  it?  What 
promise  of  the  Old  Testament  is  suggested 
by  this?      (Is.   54:17-) 

What  does  Christ  say  He  will  give 
Peter?  What  is  meant  by  "the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven"?  (Ro.  10:14.) 
What  custom  of  the  ancient  rabbis  is  re- 
ferred to  in  this  figure  of  speech?  Where 
in  the  Bible  is  Peter  seen  using  the  keys? 
(Acts  2:14;  10:34;  15 'J.)  Who  has  the 
keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  today? 
When  do  we  unlock  the  kingdom  to  men? 
When  do  we  lock  the  kingdom  against 
men?  (Matt.  23:13.)  What  power  did  our 
Lord  say  Peter  should  have?  What  is  meant 
by  "binding"  and  "loosing"?  To  whom 
else  did  Christ  give  this  power?  (Matt. 
18:18.)  Who  has  it  today?  (Gal.  5:18.) 
Was  the  power  to  forgive  sins  given  to 
the  apostles?  (John  20:23.)  In  what 
sense  had  they  this  power?  (2  Cor.  2:10.) 
In  connection  with  what  other  gift  was  the 
gift  of  power  to  forgive  sins?  (John 
20:22.)  Is  there  any  sense  in  which  any 
one  today  besides  our  Lord  has  power 
to  forgive  sins?  Ought  we  to  be  satisfied 
with  man's  assurance  that  our  sins  are 
forgiven? 

What  charge  did  our  Lord  lay  upon  His 
disciples?  Why?  Does  that  charge  rest 
upon  His  disciples  today?  (Matt.  20:19; 
Acts  2:36;  8:4.) 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     The  Father. 

(i)     Where   He   is: 

In  heaven,   17. 
(2)     What  He  does: 

Testifies  to  the  Messiahship  and  Son- 
ship    of    Jesus,    reveals    truth    even 
to    sinful,    ignorant    men,    ready    to 
receive  it,   17. 
2.    Our  Lord  Jesus. 
(i)     What  He  is: 

The  Son  of  man,  13;  the  Christ,  16; 
the  Holy  One  of  God,  John  6:69; 
the  Son  of  God,  16;  the  Builder 
of  the  church,  18;  the  subject  of 
divergent  opinions  of  men,  recog- 
nized by  all  as  an  extraordinary  per- 
sonage, 14;  recognized  in  the  fulness 
of  His  glory  only  by  those  whose 
minds  God  illumines,  17. 
(2)     What  He  does: 

Desires  the  mouth-confession  of  heart- 
faith,  13;  delights  in  the  good  con- 
fession of  His  disciples,  17;  entrusts 
illuminated  men  with  the  responsi- 
bility of  opening  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  19. 
J.     The  church. 

Christ    the    Builder,    built    upon    the 
Rock,  Christ,  faith  in  His  deity  the 
condition  of  being  made  pieces  of  the 
Rock,  its  eternal   security,   18. 
4.    Peter. 

Taught  of  God,  recognized  the  Messi- 
ahship and  deity  of  Christ,  17;  con- 
fessed Him  as  Messiah  and  Son  of 
God,  16;  transformed  by  his  God- 
given  faith  in  Jesus  as  the  Son  of 
God  into  a  man  of  rock,  18;  had 
power  given  him  because  of  his  pos- 
session of  this  truth  to  unlock  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  unto  men.  had 
authority  given  him  to  forbid  or 
permit,  19. 


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LESSON  58. 

Our  Lord  Preparing  His  Disciples  For  His  Crucifixion.    Matthew  16:21-28. 
(Compare  Mark  8:31  to  9:1;  Luke  9:22-27.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

7.  "Get  thee  behind  Me,  Satan,"  vv. 
21-23. 

For  what  was  Christ  preparing  His 
disciples  in  bringing  out  so  clearly  the 
doctrines  of  His  deity  and  the  security 
of  the  church  in  the  immediately  preceding 
verses?  Why  "must"?  (John  3:14;  14:19; 
Ro.  4:2s;  5:9,  10;  Heb.  9:22;  Is.  53:4-6; 
2  Cor.  5:21;  I  Peter  2:24.)  Had  He 
ever  told  them  of  His  death  and  resurrec- 
tion before?  (John  2:19-21.)  Is  it  credi- 
ble that  after  He  had  so  plainly  foretold 
His  resurrection  that  His  disciples  should 
find  it  so  hard  to  believe  in  it  when  it 
actually  occurred?  (Luke  18:34;  24:25.) 
What  in  the  present  day  will  help  us  to 
understand  this? 

Which  of  the  disciples  came  to  the  front 
again  at  this  point?  What  did  he  do? 
Do  any  of  the  disciples  of  the  Lord  nowa- 
days think  they  know  better  than  He  what 
He  ought  to  do?  Was  Peter  concerned 
for  Christ  or  for  self?  Of  whom  had 
he  been  the  mouthpiece  in  v.  16?  Of 
whom  was  he  the  mouthpiece  now?  Where 
else  do  we  see  a  like  spirit  in  Peter? 
(Matt.  26:51;  John  13:6-8.)  How  was 
his  protest  met  by  our  Lord?  On  what 
other  occasion  had  He  used  the  same 
words?  (Luke  4:8.)  Why  did  He  call 
Peter  "Satan"?  When  did  this  fearful 
error  and  awful  rebuke  of  Peter  occur? 
(vv.  17,  18.)  Is  there  any  lesson  in  this? 
Was  our  Lord  really  tempted  by  Peter's 
suggestion  (v.  23)  ?  Where  was  the  root 
pf  the  difficulty  with  Peter?  Is  it  a 
serious  thing  to  mind  the  things  of  man? 
(See  R.  V.  and  Phil.  3:19;  Ro.  8:5-8.) 


2.    Before  the  crown,  the  cross,  vv.  24-28. 

To  whom  did  our  Lord  then  speak? 
What  does  He  tell  them?  What  does 
"deny"  mean  in  Bible  usage?  (26:35,  75; 
Mark  14:31;  Luke  12:9;  22:34;  Titus 
2:12.)  What  then  does  "deny  himself" 
mean?  What  was  the  cross  literally?  Why 
did  our  Lord  take  up  the  cross?  What 
then  does  "take  up  his  cross"  mean?  What 
does  "follow  Me"  mean?  (i  Peter  2:21; 
Phil.  2:5-8.)  Is  there  any  way  to  be 
a  disciple  of  Christ  and  enter  the  kingdom 
but  by  denying  self,  taking  up  the  cross 
and  following  Him?  (''Any  man";  Acts 
14:22;  2  Tim.  3:12;  I  Thess.  3:3.)  Is 
the  Pope  more  truly  Peter's  successor  as 
we  see  him  in  vv.  17,  18  or  as  we  see  him 
in  vv.  22,  23?  What  is  the  special  con- 
nection between  v.  24  and  the  verses  which 
immediately  precede?  Does  it  pay  "to 
come  after"  Christ  when  we  consider  these 
severe  conditions?  (John  12:26;  2  Tim. 
2:12;  Ro.  8:18.) 

What  general  principle  did  Christ  now 
announce?  What  words  does  Mark  add? 
(Mark  8:35.)  What  is  the  meaning  of 
this  principle?  What  searching  question 
did  Christ  put  to  them?  What  does  "soul" 
mean?  Is  the  contrast  here  between  the 
present  and  future?  Does  the  man  who 
loses  his  soul  lose  the  future?  What  kind 
of  future?  Does  he  gain  the  present? 
Does  the  man  who  saves  his  soul  lose 
the  present?  Does  he  gain  the  future? 
What  second  question  did  Christ  put  to 
them?     What  is  its  meaning? 

By  reference  to  what  event  does  Christ 
enforce  His  teaching?  What  will  be  the 
manner   of    His   coming?     What   will   He 


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do  at  His  coming?  What  evil-doing  is 
to  be  especially  punished  at  that  time? 
(Mark  8:38.)  What  occasion  was  there 
at  this  particular  point  to  mention  being 
ashamed  of  Him?  What  did  He  further 
tell  His  disciples?  Is  the  same  event 
referred  to  in  v.  28  as  in  v.  27?  What 
is  referred  to?  (27:1-8;  John  8:52.) 

Note. — This  lesson  is  one  of  the  easiest 
to  understand  and  hardest  to  practice.  Not 
so  many  questions  as  usual  are  needed  to 
bring  out  the  teachings ;  more  grace  than 
usual  will  be  needed  to  perform  them. 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

His  deity,  27;  humanity — Son  of  man, 
tempted,  27,  23;  temptation — its 
source  a  disciple,  its  issue  instant 
and  complete  victory,  22,  23 ;  shrink- 
ing from  the  cross,  23;  loyalty  to 
duty — repelling  every  tempter  that 
would  lead  Him  from  the  cross,  23 ; 
consideration  of  man's  weakness,  and 
skill  as  a  teacher — confirms  faith  be- 
fore revealing  coming  trial,  21  (com- 
pare vv.  13-20)  ;  sufferings,  death 
and  resurrection — their  necessity,  21 ; 
coming — its  certainty  ("shall  come"), 
manner  ("in  the  glory,  etc."),  pur- 
pose ("to  render  unto  every  man, 
etc."),  27;  its  prefiguration  (the 
transformation),   28. 

2.  Peter. 

His  carnal  mind  and  consequent  failure 
to  see  and  enter  into  the  divine  plan 
of  suffering  love,  immediately  after 
the  hour  of  wondrous  revelation, 
noble  confession  and  lofty  commen- 
dation, 22,  23;  utter  failure,  stupen- 
dous presumption,  unsparing  rebuke, 


22 ;  a  stumbling  block  to  the  Saviour, 
23;  when  he  minded  the  things  of 
God  he  was  God's  spokesman,  but 
when  he  minded  the  things  of  man 
he  became  Satan's  spokesman,  23 
(compare   16,    17). 

J.     What  follows: 

Suffering  and  death  followed  by  resur^ 
rection  and  glory,  21,  27; 

Denial  of  self  and  cross-bearing  fol- 
lowed by  union  with  Christ  and  par- 
ticipation in  His  kingdom,  24; 

Sacrifice  of  temporal  life  followed  by 
the  gain  of  life  eternal,  25; 

Holding  on  to  temporal  life  followed 
by  the  loss  of  life  eternal,  25 ; 

Seeking  for  the  world  followed  by  the 
loss    of   the   soul,   26. 

4.     Eight  rules  that  have  no  exceptions. 

Every  one  who  would  save  his  life 
shall   lose  it,  25; 

Every  one  who  shall  lay  his  life  down 
for  our  Lord's  sake  shall  find  it,  25; 

Every  one  who  forfeits  his  life  to 
gain  the  world  makes  a  poor  bar- 
gain, 26; 

Every  one  who  forfeits  his  life  to 
gain  the  world  loses  it  beyond  re- 
covery, 26; 

Every  one  who  would  go  where  our 
Lord  went  must  go  by  the  road 
He  took,  24,  25 ; 

Every  one  who  would  come  after  our 
Lord  must  utterly  renounce  self,  24; 

Every  one  who  would  come  after  our 
Lord  must  face  without  wavering 
and  bear  without  flinching  the  suf- 
fering, shame  and  death  that  lie  in 
the   path   of   obedience   to    God,   24; 

Every  one  who  would  come  after  our 
Lord  must  walk  as  He  walked,  24. 


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LESSON  59. 
The  Transfiguration.     Matthew   17:1-13.     (Compare  Mark  9:2-13;   Luke 


9:28-36.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.    Jesus,  Moses  and  Elijah,  vv.   1-4. 

Of  what  prophecy  of  our  Lord  is  this 
lesson  a  fulfilment?  (Matt.  16:28;  Mark 
9:1;  Luke  9:27.)  How  many  of  the  dis- 
ciples did  He  take  with  Him?  Did  He 
take  these  three  with  Him  on  any  other 
occasion?  (Mark  5:37;  Matt.  26:37,  38.) 
Why  did  He  take  them  only?  Does  He 
today  grant  the  same  exalted  experience  to 
all  His  disciples?  Why  not?  (i  Cor. 
12:5,  II.)  What  evidence  have  we  of  the 
profound  impression  it  made  upon  those 
who  saw  it?  (John  1:14;  2  Peter  1:17, 
18.)  What  was  Christ's  purpose  in  going 
up  into  the  mount?  (Luke  9:28.)  Why 
did  He  go  into  the  mount?  Why  did 
He  take  any  one  with   Him? 

What  wonderful  thing  happened?  What 
does  "transfiguration"  mean?  What  trans- 
formation had  He  undergone  before  this? 
(Ph.  2:6,  7,  Greek.)  Who  are  some  today 
who  undergo  a  similar  transformation  to 
that  recorded  here?  (Phil.  3:21.)  What 
transfiguration  is  possible  to  us  in  the  life 
that  now  is?  (Ro.  12:3.)  How  did  our 
Lord  appear  when  He  was  transfigured? 
(Mark  9:3;  Luke  9:29.)  How  can  our 
countenances  be  made  to  shine?  (2  Cor. 
3:18.)  What  was  He  doing  when  this 
wonderful  change  came?  (Luke  9:29.) 
Was  He  always  transfigured  when  He 
prayed?  Will  prayer  bring  any  glory  into 
our  faces? 

What  other  wonder  did  the  three  dis- 
ciples see  besides  the  transfigured  Jesus? 
Why  were  Moses  and  Elijah  chosen  as 
the  persons  to  appear?  Had  either  of 
them  died?     (Deut.  34:5,  6.)     Was  Moses 


conscious  when  he  appeared  on  the  mount? 
How  does  this  fact  bear  upon  the  doctrine 
that  the  dead  are  unconscious  between 
death  and  the  second  coming  of  Christ? 
What  great  desire  of  Moses  was  grati- 
fied by  this  appearance  in  the  mount? 
(Deut.  3:23-26.)  How  did  Moses  and 
Elijah  appear?  (Luke  9:31.)  What  does 
this  indicate  as  to  the  state  of  the  blessed 
dead  even  before  the  resurrection?  Did 
the  disciples  recognize  Moses  and  Elijah? 
How?  How  does  this  bear  on  the  ques- 
tion whether  we  will  recognize  our  friends 
in  heaven?  What  was  the  subject  of 
conversation  between  Jesus,  Moses  and 
Elijah?  (Luke  9:31.)  What  does  that 
indicate  as  to  the  fact  that  is  most  central 
in  the  Gospel  and  most  interesting  to  the 
heavenly  world?  (i  Peter  i :  10-12.)  Will 
the  death  of  Christ  be  much  spoken  of 
in  the  coming  glory?  (Rev.  5:8,  9.)  Had 
Moses  and  Elijah  any  personal  interest 
in    the    death    of    Christ? 

Was  this  a  real  thing  that  the  disciples 
saw,  or  a  dream  in  their  sleep?  (Luke 
9:32,  R.  V.  and  margin;  2  Peter  1:16-18.) 
In  what  physical  condition  v/ere  the  dis- 
ciples when  the  manifestation  began? 
Were  they  much  in  the  habit  of  going  to 
sleep  in  prayer  meetings?  (Luke  22:45.) 
Do  men  nowadays  miss  anything  by  not 
being  waked  up  in  meetings?  What  man 
acted  like  himself  at  this  stupendous  mo- 
ment? What  was  his  comment  on  their 
presence  there?  What  did  he  mean?  Was 
it  good  for  them  to  be  there?  Would  it 
have  been  good  for  them  to  have  remained 
there  (vv.  14,  15)  ?  Where  is  the  best 
place  for  us  to  be  always?     What  proposi- 


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131 


tion  did  Peter  make?  Why?  (Mark  9:6.) 
When  a  man  doesn't  know  what  to  say, 
what  is  generally  the  best  thing  to  say? 
Was  any  attention  paid  to  Peter's  proposi- 
tion?   Why  not? 

2.  Jesus  only,  vv.  5-8. 

What  occurred  just  then?  What  was 
this  cloud?  (Ex.  40:34,  35;  i  Kings 
8:10,  11;  Acts  1:9;  Rev.  1:7;  Ps.  104:3.) 
Over  whom  did  the  cloud  come?  What 
came  to  the  disciples  who  were  on  the 
outside  of  the  cloud?  Whose  voice  was 
it?  What  did  God  say?  Of  whose  words 
was  that  a  divine  confirmation?  (Deut. 
18:18.)  What  will  happen  to  one  who 
does  not  heed  this  command  of  God  to 
hear  His  Son?  (Acts  3:22,  23;  Heb. 
12:25.)  What  will  happen  to  one  who 
does  obey?  (Heb.  5:9.)  To  whom  did 
God  bear  testimony?  What  was  it?  What 
does  that  one  do  who  rejects  this  testi- 
mony? (i  John  5:10.)  If  we  accept  the 
beloved  Son,  how  much  does  God  love 
us?  (John  17:23.)  By  this  testimony 
given  at  this  time  whom  did  God  subordi- 
nate to  Jesus? 

What  was  the  effect  of  the  voice  upon 
the  disciples?  Had  Peter  any  more  sug- 
gestions to  make?  How  were  they  re- 
assured? What  occurred  just  as  soon  as 
the  voice  had  spoken?  (Luke  9:36.)  Was 
there  anything  significant  in  their  departure 
just  at  this  point?  When  they  looked 
up  whom  did  they  see?  Would  it  have 
been  better  to  have  seen  Moses  or  Elias? 
What  would  the  Jewish  world  rather  have 
seen?  Wouldn't  it  have  been  better  to 
have  had  Moses  and  Elias  go  down  from 
the  mount  together  with  Jesus? 

3.  Death,  resurrection  and  return  of  the 
Son   of  man,  vv.  9-/J. 

What  charge  did  our  Lord  give  His 
disciples  about  what  they  had  seen?    Why? 


Is  it  always  best  to  tell  all  that  has  been 
revealed  to  us?  When  Paul  said  he  had 
"not  shunned  to  declare  all  the  counsel 
of  God,"  did  he  mean  he  had  told  them 
everything  God  had  revealed  to  him?  (2 
Cor.  12:3,  4-)  Does  the  word  translated 
"vision"  always  mean  a  vision  seen  in 
sleep?  (Acts  7:31,  Greek.)  Does  it  here? 
(Luke  9:32,   R.  V.) 

What  question  were  they  prompted  to 
ask?  What  suggested  it  right  here?  What 
was  our  Lord's  answer?  Are  we  to  under- 
stand from  this  that  before  Christ's  final 
coming  there  is  to  be  another  coming  of 
Elijah?  (Acts  3:21.)  In  whom  did  he 
mean  Elijah  had  already  come?  (11:14.) 
In  what  sense  was  John  the  Baptist  Elijah? 
(Luke  1:17.)  What  three  prominent 
events  in  His  history  does  our  Lord  men- 
tion in  connection  with  His  transfigura- 
tion? What  was  the  relation  of  His  trans- 
figuration to  these  events?  In  the  light 
of  this  majesty  of  Jesus  revealed  at  the 
transfiguration  and  the  command  from 
heaven  uttered  by  the  Father  at  the  trans- 
figuration of  His  Son,  what  must  we  say 
of  the  rejection  of  Christ? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus. 

(i)     His  true  humanity: 

Son  of  man,  9;  need  of  prayer,  i; 
must  suffer  and  die,  12,  9. 

(2)  His  true  deity: 
My  Son,  5. 

(3)  His  majesty  and  glory: 
Testified  to    by  the   law  and  prophets 

in  the  persons  of  Moses  and  Elijah, 
3;  by  the  outshining  of  the  indwell- 
ing glory,  2;  by  the  overshadowing 
shekinah  glory,  by  the  audible  voice 
of  the  Father,  5;  beloved  of  God, 
fully  meets  all  the  demands  of  God's 
aflfections,    obedience    to    Him    com- 


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manded  by  the  Father,  5;  grants 
special  experiences  to  individual  dis- 
ciples, not  for  their  own  sake  alone 
but  for  the  sake  of  others,  i,  9; 
loved  seclusion  and  prayer,  desired 
fellowship  and  sympathy,  i ;  His 
compassion.  His  comforting  touch 
and  voice,  7. 

(4)  His   sufferings : 

Never  lost  sight  of  in  moments  of 
exalted  glory,  12;  prepared  for  by 
the  experiences  of  the  mount,  1-8,  12. 

(5)  His  death: 

Must  precede  glory  and  its  proclama- 
tion to  the  world,  9;  the  central  fact 
of  revelation  in  heavenly  interest,  3 ; 
His  return,  10,  11. 

(6)  His  superiority  to   Moses   and  Eli- 
jah : 

He  a  Son,  they  servants,  they  gave 
way  to  Him,  3-5. 

(7)  His    all-sufficiency: 
Jesus    only,   5. 


Peter. 

Spoke  unthinkingly  when  he  had  noth- 
ing to  say  and  so  spoke  what  was 
not  worth  hearing,  4;  preferred  to 
be  on  the  mount  beholding  visions 
to  being  in  the  valley  ministering 
to  the  unfortunate,  4;  desired  to 
have  Moses  and  Elijah,  not  recog- 
nizing the  all-sufficiency  of  Jesus,  4; 
terrified  by  the  voice  of  the  Father, 
6;  reassured  by  the  voice  and  touch 
of  the  Son,  7. 

Prayer. 

Its  necessity — Jesus  prayed;  place — 
alone  with  God;  time—in  the  face 
of  coming  trial,  i  (16:13-28)  ;  power 
— transfigured  while  He  prayed,  i,  2 
(Luke  9:28,  29). 

Tlie   departed  saints. 

They  exist  in  a  conscious  state,  in 
glory,  can  talk,  can  be  recognized, 
are  especially  interested  in  the  death 
of  Christ,  3,  4. 


LESSON  60. 
Our  Lord  Healing  the  Demoniac  Boy  at  the  Foot  of  the  Mount  of  Trans- 
figuration.   Mark  9 :14-29.   (Compare  Matthew  17 :14-20 ;  Luke  9 :37-43.) 

Why  were  they  amazed?  (vv.  2,  3;  com- 
pare Ex.  34:30.)  To  whom  did  He  invite 
them  to  bring  their  questionings?  If  we 
wish  our  questionings  settled  where  is  the 
best  place  to  take  them?  Are  unbelievers 
usually  as  ready  to  bring  their  questionings 
to  Christ  as  to  His  disciples? 

Who  was  the  first  to  reply  to  our  Lord? 
Why  was  he  so  prompt  to  speak?  What 
was  his  trouble?  What  was  his  boy's 
condition?  (See  also  Matt.  17:15;  Luke 
9:39.)  Who  was  the  author  of  this  sad 
condition?  What  does  this  teach  us  about 
the  Devil?  What  hint  does  it  give  as 
to  what  the  condition  of  the  world  will  be 
when  he  has  unrestricted  charge  of  affairs? 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  failure  of  the  disciples,  vv.  14-19. 
;While  our  Lord  was  in  the  mountain 
into  what  difficulty  had  the  disciples  fall- 
en? In  what  state  of  mind  were  they  in 
this  emergency?  Who  came  on  the  scene 
at  this  moment  of  defeat  and  distress? 
Is  He  likely  to  appear  on  the  scene  in 
the  moment  of  His  disciples'  failure,  per- 
plexity and  despair?  Was  there  anything 
better  that  the  disciples  could  have  been 
doing  in  their  difficulty  than  engaging  in 
controversy  with  the  scribes?  (Ps.  1:1; 
v.  29,  R.  V.)  What  was  the  effect  upon 
the  crowd  of  the  appearance  of  our  Lord? 


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133 


What  had  the  father  done  with  his  son? 
What  is  the  best  thing  to  do  with  a  child 
who  is  in  the  devil's  power?  In  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Lord  to  whom  had  the  man 
applied  for  help?  Did  he  get  it  in  that 
quarter?  Do  men  nowadays  ever  apply 
to  the  disciples  of  Christ  for  help  and 
fail  to  get  what  they  might  naturally  ex- 
pect? What  is  the  best  thing  to  do  when 
Christ's  disciples  fail  us?  Why  were  not 
the  disciples  able  to  cast  the  demon  out? 
(Matt.  17:19,  20;  Mark  9:28,  29.)  Why 
is  it  today  that  the  disciples  of  Christ 
so  often  fail  to  accomplish  the  mighty 
works  expected  of  them?  Did  this  man 
miss  the  desired  blessing  because  of  the 
failure  of  Christ's  disciples?  Why  not? 
(vv.  19,  20,  25.)  Need  we  miss  the  bless- 
ings we  desire  because  of  the  church's 
failure  in  faith  and  prayer?  What  can 
we  do?  How  did  our  Lord  feel  over 
the  failure  of  His  disciples  (v.  19)  ?  Had 
God  elsewhere  occasion  to  sorrow  over 
and  rebuke  the  unbelief  of  His  people? 
(Num.  14:11,  22,  27;  Ps.  78:6,  8,  22;  Mark 
16:14;  Luke  24:25.)  Has  He  any  occasion 
to  grieve  over  and  rebuke  the  unbelief 
of  His  people  today?  (Luke  18:8.)  What 
did  He  tell  the  man  to  do  with  his  boy, 
seeing  His  disciples  had  failed?  What 
can  we  do  with  our  friends  whenever  every 
other  source  of  help   fails? 

2.  The  victory  of  the  Son  of  God,  vv. 
20-29. 

Did  it  seem  at  first  to  do  the  boy  any 
good  to  bring  him  to  our  Lord?  Does 
it  ever  happen  nowadays  that  our  friends 
grow  worse  rather  than  better  when  we 
bring  them  to  Him?  What  is  the  ex- 
planation of  this  aggravation  of  the  boy's 
malady  upon  bringing  him  to  our  Lord? 
(Rev.  12:12;  Mark  1:26.)  How  long  had 
this  boy  been  mastered  and  tormented  by 
the   demon?     Is  the  long-standing   of   the 


misery  of  our  friends  any  reason  for  not 
bringing  them  to  our  Lord,  or  for  doubt- 
ing His  readiness  or  ability  to  deliver 
them?  (Mark  5:25;  Luke  13:16;  John 
5:5,  6;  9:1,  20,  21;  Acts  3:2;  4:22;  9:33; 
14:8.) 

For  what  did  the  father  appeal?  Did 
the  cry  for  compassion  and  help  ever  rise 
into  His  ears  unheeded?  (Matt.  15:22-28; 
20:31-34;  9:27-29.)  Will  it  now?  (Heb. 
13:8.)  Did  the  father  have  a  very  firm 
faith  that  our  Lord  could  help  him?  How 
much  faith  did  he  have?  Did  he  get  the 
blessing  sought?  What  was  it  very  likely 
that  made  him  doubt  His  ability  to  help 
him  (v.  18)  ?  What  is  the  source  of  much 
of  the  unbelief  in  our  Lord  today?  What 
did  He  reply  (v.  23,  R.  V.)  ?  Where  shall 
we  put  the  "if"  in  regard  to  receiving 
blessings  from  Him?  How  much  can 
faith  get  and  accomplish?  (Mark  11:23; 
Matt.  17:20;  21:21,  22;  John  11:40;  Acts 
14:9;  Matt.  9:29.)  What  did  the  father 
reply?  Did  our  Lord  hear  that  prayer? 
If  we  are  conscious  of  our  lack  of  faith 
and  desire  more  what  shpuld  we  do? 
(Luke    17:5-) 

Did  our  Lord  prolong  the  conversation? 
Why  not  (v.  25,  R.  V.)?  Will  a  wise 
Christian  worker  carry  on  personal  deal- 
ings with  men  if  a  crowd  gathers?  What 
did  our  Lord  do?  What  difference  marked 
His  treatment  of  demons  and  of  sinful 
men?  What  did  the  demon  do?  What 
truths  are  we  taught  about  the  devil  and 
his  angels  by  this?  What  was  the  condi- 
tion of  the  boy  when  the  demon  had  left? 
What  did  our  Lord  do?  Before  He  can 
give  the  sinner  life  what  must  the  sinner 
become?  (Ro.  7:11;  Gal.  3:24.)  What 
did  the  disciples  do?  When  we  have 
met  with  some  great  failure  what  is  the 
best  thing  to  do?  When  they  talked  with 
Him    alone    about    their    failure    what    ex- 


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planation  did  He  give  them  of  it  (29, 
R.  V.)?  (Matt.  17:20.)  If  then  we  wish 
to  win  victories  for  Christ  in  conflict  with 
Satan  in  the  most  extreme  forms  of  his 
manifestation,  what  must  we  do?  If  we 
have  already  suffered  defeat  how  may  we 
turn  defeat  into  victory?  (2  Kings  4:31, 
33-35-)  Whom  according  to  this  lesson 
can  our  Lord  save?  What  does  the  most 
helpless  and  hopeless  victim  of  Satan  need 
to  do  to  get  this  salvation? 

CLASSIFICATION    OP    TEACHINGS. 

r.     Otir  Lord. 

Comes  to  the  help  of  His  disciples  in 
the  moment  of  their  failure  and 
despair,  14-19;  turns  defeat  into  vic- 
tory, 19-27;  wishes  the  questions  that 
perplex  His  disciples  to  be  brought 
to  Himself,  16;  wishes  the  cases 
that  defy  His  disciples'  power  to  be 
brought  directly  to  Himself,  wearied 
with  the  unbelief  of  His  disciples, 
rebukes  their  unbelief,  19 ;  His  readi- 
ness to  save — always  hears  the  cry 
for  compassion  and  help,  22-27;  His 
power  to  save — can  do  anything  that 
men  trust  Him  for,  22,  23;  rebukes, 
commands  unclean  spirits  to  depart, 
25;  casts  out  unclean  spirits,  26; 
lifts  up  the  one  whom  Satan  has 
cast  down,  27. 

S.    The  disciples. 

When  the  Lord  left  them  for  a  season 
got  into  trouble  at  once,  14;  dis- 
cussed their  failure  with  their  ene- 
mies instead  of  carrying  it  to  God 
in  prayer,  14,  29;  tried  to  cast  out 
a  demon  and  could  not,  19;  failed 
because  of  neglect  of  prayer  and  un- 
belief, 29,  19;  their  failure  weakened 


the  faith  of  others  in  their  Master, 
18,  22;  wearied  our  Lord  by  their 
unbelief,  received  a  severe  rebuke, 
19;  talked  to  our  Lord  alone,  sought 
and  received  an  explanation  of  their 
defeat,  28,  29. 

J.     The  boy. 

His  condition — in  Satan's  grasp,  17-25; 

from    childhood,    21 ;    cast    down    by 

Satan,     pining     away,     18,     R.     V.; 

grievously    torn,    20;    life    imperiled, 

22;    almost    killed,    26;    no    help    in 

man,    18. 
What  was   done   for   him — brought   to 

our  Lord,  20. 
The    result — first    became    worse,    20; 

like    dead,    26;    taken    by    the    hand, 

raised  up,  restored,  27. 

4.  The  father. 

His  son  in  the  devil's  power,  sought 
to  bring  him  to  our  Lord,  17;  tried 
the  disciples  first,  received  no  bless- 
ing, turned  from  the  disciples  and 
appealed  to  our  Lord  Himself,  18; 
but  little  faith,  cried  for  compassion 
and  help,  22 ;  heard,  shown  that  the 
blessing  desired  is  not  a  question  of 
Christ's  power,  but  of  his  own  faith, 
23 ;  used  the  little  faith  he  had,  sought 
more  faith,  24;  got  the  blessing 
sought,  27. 

5.  The  devil. 

His  awful  power,  17-26;  incredible 
malignity,  18,  20,  22,  26;  real  impo- 
tence— subject  to  Christ's  mere  word, 
rage — made  a  final  terrific  but  in- 
effectual struggle,  seeming  victory- 
left  his  victim  as  if  dead,  26;  over- 
whelming defeat — conquered  by 
Jesus,  26;  conquered  by  faith,  18,  19; 
conquered  by  prayer,  29. 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


135 


LESSON  61. 

Christ  Again  Foretelling  His  Death  and  Resurrection  and  Discoursing  on 

Humility.     Matthew   17:22  to   18:14.      (Compare   Mark  9:30-35; 

Luke  9:43-50.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  The  shekel  in  the  fish's  mouth, 
17:22-27. 

What  does  our  Lord  now  announce  to 
His  disciples  (vv.  22,  23)  ?  What  was 
His  purpose  in  telling  them  so  often  in 
these  days  of  His  coming  death  and  resur- 
rection? Did  they  comprehend  what  He 
was  talking  about?  (Mark  9:32;  Luke 
9:45.) 

When  they  reached  their  home  town, 
what  demand  was  made  upon  Him  (v.  24)  ? 
Why  was  He  under  no  obligation  to  pay 
the  temple  tax  (vv.  25,  26)  ?  Did  He  pay 
it?  Why  (v.  27)  ?  Is  there  any  lesson 
here  for  us  ?  How  did  He  know  that  Peter 
would  find  a  shekel  in  the  fish's  mouth? 

2.  Hozv  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
and  to  be  great  in  it,  18:1-4. 

With  what  question  did  the  disciples 
next  come  to  our  Lord?  What  had  sug- 
gested to  them  the  asking  of  that  ques- 
tion? What  did  it  reveal?  Did  there 
ever  arise  any  strife  on  this  point  after 
this?  (Matt.  20:20,  21;  Luke  22:21-24.) 
Is  it  credible  that  such  strife  should  arise 
at  such  times  among  those  who  were  so 
near  the  Lord?  What  will  best  help  us 
to    understand    it? 

How  did  He  answer  their  question? 
How  came  there  to  be  a  child  at  hand? 
How  large  a  child  was  it?  What  were 
His  first  words  as  He  took  the  little  child? 
How  much  deeper  than  the  question  does 
the  answer  go?  What  does  "be  converted" 
mean  (see  R.  V.)  ?  Why  was  it  necessary 
that  they  "be  converted"?  In  what  respect 
must    they    become    as    little    children    to 


enter  into  the  kingdom  at  all?  In  what 
respects  in  general  ought  we  all  to  be- 
come childlike?  (i  Cor.  14:20;  i  Peter 
1:14;  2:2;  Matt.  6:31;  11:25;  Eph.  5:1.) 
In  what  respects  must  we  be  unlike  chil- 
dren? (i  Cor.  14:20;  Eph.  4:14.)  Are 
we  to  understand  from  this  verse  that 
children  are  by  nature  in  the  kingdom  or 
that  they  are  of  the  spirit  that  fits  them 
to  easily  enter?  (John  3:6.)  How  can 
one  who  is  old  become  a  child?  (John 
2:2,;  I  Peter  2:2.)  What  are  the  condi- 
tions of  an  "abundant  entrance"?  (2  Peter 
1:5-11.) 

Whom  does  our  Lord  say  is  the  greatest 
in  the  kingdom?  What  is  meant  by  "hum- 
ble himself"?  How  else  is  this  same  prin- 
ciple stated  by  Him  elsewhere?  (Luke 
14:11;  Matt.  20:26,  27;  23:11,  12.)  Who 
is  the  great  illustration  of  this  humbling 
oneself  and  the  consequent  exaltation? 
(Matt.  20:28;  Phil.  2:6-11.).  Do  men  often 
follow  this  road  to  greatness?  What  is 
the  world's  idea  of  the  path  to  greatness? 

2.  How  to  treat  the  members  of  the 
kingdom,  vv.   5-g. 

How  did  our  Lord  seek  to  emphasize 
the  preciousness  of  these  little  ones  to 
Him?  Does  He  mean  a  literal  child  or 
one  with  the  childlike  spirit?  Who  are  the 
ones  then  especially  dear  to  Christ?  (Is. 
57:15.)  What  is  meant  by  "in  My  name"? 
What  very  solemn  warning  does  He  give 
in  V.  6?  What  is  meant  by  "offend"? 
(See  R.  V.)  What  does  the  warning 
mean?  To  whom  does  it  apply?  How  can 
we  "cause  one  of  these  to  stumble"?  (Gen. 
13:7;  2  Sam.   12:14;  Ro.  2:23,  24;   14:21; 


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STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


15:1-3;  I  Cor.  8:9-13.)  With  what  feel- 
ing does  our  Lord  regard  the  occasions  of 
stumbling  in  the  world?  What  does  He 
say  of  their  necessity?  Wherein  lies  the 
necessity?  (i  Cor.  11:19.)  Does  it  in 
any  wise  excuse  the  one  through  whom 
these  occasions  of  stumbling  come?  (Acts 
2:23.)  If  stumbling  blocks  are  so  bad 
how  far  ought  we  to  go  in  avoiding  them? 
(i  Cor.  8:13.)  Are  we  only  to  give  up 
the  things  that  are  m  themselves  bad? 
(Luke  14:26,  27,  33.)  Why  would  it  pay 
one  to  cut  off  a  hand  or  a  foot  or  pluck 
out  an  eye  if  they  led  to  sin? 

4.  God's  unquenchable  love  for  His  own, 
vv.  10-14. 

What  warning  does  our  Lord  give  in 
regard  to  the  little  ones?  Is  there  need 
of  that  warning  today?  What  reason  does 
He  give  for  not  despising  them?  What 
does  "behold  the  face,  etc."  indicate? 
(Esther  i:i4;  Luke  1:19.)  Are  we  to 
learn  from  this  that  we  have  guardian 
angels?  Whose  angels  have  the  prominent 
places?  Why  is  v.  11  left  out  in  the 
R.  v.?  Is  theje  any  place  where  it  is 
iound  in  the  R.  V.?  (Luke  19:10.)  If  it 
belongs  here  just  what  is  its  meaning  in 
this  connection? 

What  parable  does  our  Lord  utter  in  vv. 
12,  13?  Where  else  found?  Is  it  just 
the  same?  How  many  of  us  have  gone 
astray?  (Is.  53:6.)  Who  are  the  sheep 
that  our  Lord  left?  What  sheep  is  God 
most  interested  in?  How  does  God  reel 
when  He  finds  one  of  His  lost  sheep? 
How  great  is  this  joy?  (Zeph.  3:i7-) 
What  application  does  our  Lord  make  oi 
the  parable?  Is  God  willing  that  any  one 
should  perish?  (2  Peter  3:9.)  What  is 
God's  will?     (John  6:39,  40;  Luke  12:32; 


I  Tim.  2:4.)  Will  one  ot  these  little 
ones  perish?  (John  10:27-29;  17:12.)  If 
God's  will  is  that  all  be  saved,  why  are  not 
all  saved?     (John  5:40.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHIT^GS. 
/.     God. 

The  Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  10;  the 
Father  of  all  believers,  14;  His 
dwelling  place — heaven,  bestows  spe- 
cial privilege  and  honor  upon  chil- 
dren, 10;  takes  an  especial  interest 
in,  seeks  the  lost,  rejoices  over  the 
lost  one  found,  13;  not  His  will 
that  a  single  little  one  be  lost,  14. 

2.  Our   Lord. 

His  deity,  23,  27;  carefulness  to  avoid 
causing  others  to  stumble,  27;  aton- 
ing death,  resurrection,  23 ;  love  to 
children,  2 ;  solicitude  for  children, 
10;  attractiveness  to  children,  2;  be- 
lieved on  by  children,  6;  received  in 
little  children,  when  they  are  re 
ceived  in  His  name,  5. 

3.  The    kingdom    of    heaven. 
(i)     Conditions  of  entrance: 

Renunciation  of  self  seeking,  i,  3;  re- 
nunciation of  pride,  3,  4. 
(2)     Condition  of  greatness  in  the  king- 
dom: 

Humility— taking  the  lowly  place,  4. 

4.  Occasions    of   stumbling. 

Must  needs  be,  bring  woe  to  the  world, 
bring  woe  to  the  man  through  whom 
they  come,  7;  better  to  perish  most 
miserably  than  to  be  an  occasion  of 
stumbling  to  a  believing  child,  6;  bet- 
ter sacrifice  the  dearest  and  most 
indispensable  thing  than  be  an  occa- 
sion of  stumbling,  8,  9. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD  137 


LESSON  62. 
The  Duty  of  Forgiving  Those  Who  Sin  Against  Us. 


Matthew  18:15-35. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  How  to  deal  zvith  an  offending 
brother,  vv.   15-20. 

What  are  Christ's  directions  as  to  the 
first  step  to  take  if  a  brother  sin  against 
us?  Should  we  talk  to  others  about  the 
fault?  What  will  probably  be  the  result 
in  such  a  case?  Suppose  we  are  quite 
sure  that  he  will  not  hear,  does  that  alter 
our  duty  in  the  matter?  When  alone  have 
we  a  right  to  conclude  that  he  will  not 
hear?  Should  we  give  him  up  if  he  will 
not  hear  us  ?  What  should  we  do  ?  What 
is  the  purpose  of  taking  some  one  with 
us?  Suppose  he  refuse  to  hear  them, 
should  we  give  him  up  then?  What  should 
we  do?  Should  we  tell  it  to  the  church 
before  we  have  taken  the  earlier  steps? 
Would  there  be  many  long  cherished  feuds 
between  Christians  if  they  followed  these 
directions  of  Christ?  Is  it  obligatory  upon 
every  professed  disciple  to  follow  them? 
If  we  do  not,  what  are  we  doing?  Not 
until  when,  however,  should  he  be  to  us 
"as  the  Gentile  and  the  publican"?  What 
is  the  purpose  of  treating  him  as  such? 
(i  Cor.  5:5;  I  Tim.  1:20). 

What  power  did  our  Lord  say  His  dis- 
ciples should  have  (v.  18)  ?  What  does 
it  mean  to  "bind"  and  "loose"?  (Matt. 
16:19;  Acts  15:28,  29.)  How  should  the 
disciples  receive  wisdom  to  declare  what 
should  not  be  done  and  what  could  be 
done?  (John  20:22,  23.)  In  how  far 
have  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  this 
power  today?  (i  John  2:27.)  What  fur- 
ther power  did  He  promise  His  disciples 
(v.  19)?  What  does  the  "you"  mean? 
What  does  it  mean  "to  agree  as  touching 
anything"?      (Acts   1:14;   2:1;  4:24.)      Do 


men  ever  think  they  have  this  promise  to 
rest    upon    when    they    are    not    m    reality 
fulfilling     the     plainly     stated     conditionsT 
What  will  be  the  result  when  the  conditions 
are  fulfilled?     What  shall  be  done?     Why 
is  it  then  that  so  often  the  things  that  two 
ask  are  not  done?    Who  alone  can  bring  us 
into  real  unity  in  our  praying?     (Eph.  4:3.) 
Why  is  it  that  the  prayer  is  heard  when  there 
is  real  agreement  touching  the  thing  asked 
(v.  20)?     What  does  He  do  in  the  midst? 
Suppose  in   widely  separated  parts   of  the 
world   many   groups    of  two   or   three   are 
gathered  together   in   the  name   of   Christ, 
how   can    He   be   in   the   midst   of   all   at 
the  same  time?    Is  He  always  in  the  midst 
where    two    or    three   professed    Christians 
are  gathered  together? 
2.    Seeking  forgiveness  for  self,  vv.  21-27. 
To   what   question   on    Peter's   part    did 
our   Lord's   words   give   rise?     What   was 
the    rule    of   the   teachers    of   that   day   as 
to    how    often    we    should    forgive?      Did 
that     rule    satisfy     Peter?      Had    he    yet 
reached  the  Christian  standard  of  forgive- 
ness?     What    is    the    Christian    standard? 
(Col.   3:13;    Eph.   4:32;    5:1.)      What  was 
our  Lord's  answer?     What  does  "forgive" 
mean?     What  verses  illustrate  this  mean- 
ing?      (Is.     38:17;     43:25;     44:22;     Jer. 
31:34;  Micah  7:19;   Ps.  103:12.)     Can  we 
be    said    to    forgive    a    wrong    when    we 
treasure  it  in  our  mind?     What  does  our 
Lord     mean     by     saying     "seventy     times 
seven"?     Is  there  anything  that  the  offen- 
der must  do   before  we  are  under  obliga- 
tions to  forgive?     (Luke  17:3,  4.)     Before 
he  repents  and  confesses,  have  we  a  right 
to  hate  him  or  ignore  him?     (Matt.  18:15- 
17.)     What  ought  we  to  do  to  every  ene- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


my,  repentant  and  unrepentant?  (Matt. 
5:44;  Eph.  5:1;  Ro.  5:8.) 

How  does  our  Lord  seek  to  impress  upon 
the  disciples  the  duty  of  boundless  for- 
giveness? Of  whom  is  the  king  in  the 
parable  a  picture?  Who  are  the  servants? 
What  is  the  king  represented  as  doing 
with  his  servants?  When  does  God  reckon 
with  us?  (John  16:8,  g;  Matt.  25:19.) 
Is  this  the  final  reckoning  in  v.  23?  What 
is  God's  purpose  in  these  earlier  reckonings 
with  us? 

How  great  a  debtor  was  brought  into 
His  presence?  How  much  is  a  thousand 
talents?  What  is  our  Lord's  purpose  to 
teach  in  stating  so  enormous  a  sum?  Who 
is  so  guilty  before  God?  (Ps.  130:3; 
38:4;  40:12;  Ezra  9:6.)  Did  the  debtor 
come  of  his  own  accord  before  the  judge? 
What  is  taught  by  that?  Was  the  debtor 
able  to  pay?  Are  we  able  to  pay  our  debt 
to  God?  When  then  did  the  king  command? 
What  does  the  picture  set  forth?  What  did 
the  debtor  then  do?  What  does  that  repre- 
sent? What  promise  did  the  debtor  make? 
Could  he  fulfill  it?  Why  did  he  make  it? 
Does  the  awakened  sinner  ever  fancy  that 
he  can  pay  his  debt  to  God?  Can  he? 
What  provision  has  God  Himself  made  for 
settling  the  old  account?  (20:28;  2  Cor. 
5:21;  Gal.  3:13;  I  Peter  2:24.)  What  was 
the  king's  feeling  in  response  to  his  debtor's 
anxious  cry?  What  does  that  represent? 
How  much  compassion  has  God?  (Ps. 
86:15;  145:8.)  How  did  the  king's  com- 
passion show  itself?  Is  that  as  much  as 
a  debtor  asks?  How  will  God's  giving 
correspond  with  our  asking?  (Eph.  3:20.) 
Does  God's  compassion  wait  until  we  re- 
pent?    (John  3:16;  Ro.  5:8.) 

J.     Refusing    forgiveness    to    others,   vv. 

28-35. 

Did  the  debtor  really  accept  the  pardon 
and  realize  what  had  been  done  for  him? 


How  did  he  show  that  he  did  not?  What 
does  this  illustrate?  How  great  was  the 
debt  owed  him?  How  did  that  compare 
with  his  own  debt?  What  truth  did  Christ 
intend  to  teach  by  that?  Did  he  act  this 
way  in  the  presence  of  the  king?  Does 
that  teach  anything?  How  did  his  debtor 
act?  Had  he  seen  any  one  else  act  that 
way?  Did  he  remember  that?  Was  there 
any  possibility  of  his  debtor  actually  pay- 
ing? Did  he  do  as  he  had  been  done  by? 
Do  we?  Did  he  do  as  he  would  wish 
to  be  done  by?  Ought  we  to  do  to 
others  as  we  want  God  to  do  by  us?  (Matt. 
6:12.)      Do  we? 

Who  observed  his  treatment  of  his  fel- 
low-servant? How  did  they  feel?  (Heb. 
13:3;  Ro.  12:15;  Mark  3:5.)  What  did 
they  do?  What  is  the  best  thing  to  do 
with  griefs  and  wrongs?  (Ro.  12:19.) 
How  did  the  king  feel  (v.  34)  ?  Why 
is  it  right  that  we  should  be  grieved  rather 
than  angry  at  sin  though  God  is  wroth  at 
it?  What  did  his  lord  first  do?  Will 
God  so  call  us  to  account  for  our  acts? 
(Ro.  14:12;  I  Cor.  4:5.)  How  did  he 
address  him?  Was  his  guilt  greater  in 
the  former  interview  or  in  this?  How 
is  it  with  us :  is  our  guilt  greater  because 
of  our  many  sins  or  because  of  our  treat- 
ment of  God's  grace?  What  argument 
does  the  king  use  to  show  him  the  enormi- 
ty of  his  guilt?  What  similar  argument 
might  God  use  to  show  us  our  guiltiness? 
What  was  the  king's  feeling?  Who,  judg- 
ing from  this  parable,  ought  most  to  fear 
God's  wrath?  How  was  the  king's  wrath 
displayed?  What  does  this  represent?  (2 
Thess.  1:8,  9;  Rev.  14:10,  11.)  How  long 
was  he  to  be  tormented  ?  How  long  would 
that  take?  Is  there  any  hope  of  the  sin- 
ner's ever  paying  his  debt  to  God  in  perdi- 
tion? How  will  God  deal  with  those  who 
show  no  mercy?     (Jas.  2:13.)     How  alone 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


139 


can  we  learn  to  be  merciful?  (Col,  3:13-) 
Are  we  to  learn  from  this  parable  that 
God  ever  withdraws  His  pardon  from  one 
He  forgives  and  who  really  accepts  the 
forgiveness?  Was  this  man  given  over 
to  tormentors  because  of  his  debts  or 
because  of  his  treatment  of  his  master's 
grace?  Are  men  damned  because  of  their 
many  sins,  or  because  of  their  rejection 
of  offered  grace? 

What  is  the  application  our  Lord  make? 
of  the  parable?  What  kind  of  forgive- 
ness does  God  demand?  What  is  it  then 
that  God  looks  at?  (Prov.  21:2;  Luke 
16:15;  Rev.  2:23.)  Are  we  to  learn  from 
this  parable  that  men  are  eternally  lost  be- 
cause they  do  not  forgive  or  because  they 
do    not   believe   in    God's    forgiveness? 

CLASSIFICATION    0?    TEACHINGS. 
/.     God. 

The  Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  19,  35; 
His  abode — ^heaven,  answers  prayer 
where  there  is  agreement  as  touch- 
ing the  thing  asked,  19 ;  reckons  with 
men,  23 ;  deals  in  justice  until  man 
approaches  Him  on  the  ground  of 
mercy,  25 ;  has  compassion  on  the 
greatest  sinner  that  cries  for  mercy, 
releases  him,  forgives  the  debt,  27; 
demands  that  the  one  thus  forgiven 
should  show  that  he  has  accepted  the 
forgiveness  by  forgiving  others,  32, 
33;  will  deal  without  mercy  with 
those  who  have  despised  mercy,  34, 

35- 
2.     Christ. 

God's    Son,     19,    25;    omnipresent,    in 
the  midst  of  two  or  three  gathered 
together  in  His  name,  20;   His  skill 
as  a  teacher,  21-35. 
^.     Christians. 

(i)     Their  privileges: 
Free    and    boundless    forgiveness    for 


enormous  sins,  24-27;  get  what  they 
ask  with  one  accord,  19;  have  Jesus 
in  the  midst,  20;  discern  what  is  per- 
missible in  God's  sight  and  what  is 
not  permissible,  18. 
(2)  Their  duty: 
To  gather  in  Christ's  name,  20;  to 
pray  unitedly,  19;  to  forgive  even 
as    God   has    forgiven   them,   28,    29, 

32,  3S ;  to  go  show  those  who  have 
wronged  them  the  wrong  in  private, 
15;  if  they  hear  not,  to  take  one  or 
two  more,  16;  if  they  hear  them  not, 
to  tell  the  church,  17;  if  they  refuse 
to  hear  the  church,  to  treat  them 
as  the  Gentile  and  the  publican,  17; 
to  freely  forgive  all  who  ask  it,  to 
do  unto  others  as  God  has  done 
unto  them,  32,   33. 

4.  The  unmerciful  servant. 

Heavily  in  debt  to  his  master,  24; 
unable  to  pay,  in  great  danger  of 
fearful  judgment,  no  hope  on  the 
ground  of  justice  and  law,  25;  cried 
for  mercy,  promised  to  pay,  26; 
found  compassion,  was  freely  forgiv- 
en, 27;  despised  the  forgiveness,  went 
out  from  the  king's  presence,  28: 
refused  to  show  mercy,  30;  sum- 
moned before  his  master,  his  wicked- 
ness and  contempt  for  mercy  ex- 
posed, 32,  33;  delivered  to  the  tor- 
mentors,  34. 

5.  Forgiveness. 

The  great  and  universal  need  of  man, 
24,  35;  freely  given  for  all  who  seek 
it,  27;  permanently  enjoyed  only  by 
those  who  show  their  acceptance  of 
it  by  forgiving  others,  28,  35 ;  our 
forgiveness  of  others  should  be  full, 
free,     from    the     heart,    like     God's, 

33,  35- 


140 


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LESSON  63. 
Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles.    John  7:1-24. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  Our  Lord  and  His  unbelieving 
brothers,  vv.  i-g. 

What  was  the  attitude  of  the  leaders  of 
the  people  in  Judea  toward  our  Lord  at 
this  time?  Why  did  they  wish  to  kill  Him? 
(5:16-18;  Matt.  12:10-14;  21:37,  38.) 
What  did  this  necessitate  on  His  part? 
Was  there  any  other  time  in  the  life  of 
Christ  when  He  retired  from  Judea  to 
avoid  the  peril  of  arrest  and  death?  (John 
II  :S3,  54.)  Was  it  right  for  Him  to  retire 
because  of  the  peril  there?  Is  it  ever  right 
for  a  follower  of  Jesus  to  go  from  a  place 
of  peril  to  some  other  place  of  comparative 
security?      (Matt.   10:23.) 

On  what  occasion  did  He  go  up  again  to 
Judea  (v.  2)  ?  What  was  the  Feast  of 
Tabernacles?  (Ex.  23:16,  17;  Lev.  23:34- 
43;  Num.  29:12-38;  Deut.  16:13-16.)  What 
did  our  Lord's  brethren  suggest  that  He 
do?  Why?  What  does  this  reveal  as  to 
the  character  of  His  brethren?  Was  it 
His  spirit  to  do  things  in  order  that  men 
might  see  what  great  things  He  could  do? 
(Matt.  12:18-20;  Is.  42:  2,  3.)  Will  it  be 
the  spirit  of  any  true  follower  of  Jesus? 
What  reason  did  these  brethren  give  why 
He  should  show  His  works  to  His  dis- 
ciples (v.  4)  ? 

Was  He  seeking  to  be  known  openly? 
What  lay  at  the  root  of  the  suggestion 
made  by  the  brethren  of  Jesus?  (Luke 
6:45.)  What  was  the  attitude  of  His  own 
brethren  toward  Him  (v.  5)  ?  What  rea- 
sons had  His  brethren  for  believing  in 
Him?  Why  then  did  they  not  believe  (v. 
3,  4 ;  compare  5  "•44)  ?  Did  the  time  ever 
come  when  they  did  believe?  (Acts  1:14; 
15:13;  I  Cor.  15:7;  Gal.  1:19.)  Had  the 
brothers  of  Jesus   on   any   other  occasion 


shown  that  they  did  not  understand  Him 
and  truly  believe  in  Him?  (Mark  3:21,  31; 
John  1:11-13;  Micah  7:5,  6.)  If  we  are 
true  to  Christ,  where  very  likely  will  we 
find  those  who  misunderstand  us  and  op- 
pose us?  (Matt.  10:34-36.)  Ought  oppo- 
sition in  our  own  homes  deter  us  from 
loyalty  to  Christ?  (Matt.  10:37-39.)  From 
whom  had  the  suggestion  come  earlier  in 
His  history  that  He  make  a  public  display 
of  His  powers?     (Matt.  4:6.) 

What  did  He  answer  His  brethren? 
What  did  He  mean  by:  "My  time  is  not 
yet  come"  (vv.  8,  30;  8:20;  13:1;  17:1)? 
What  connection  was  there  between  this 
answer  and  the  suggestions  of  His 
brothers?  What  did  He  say  was  the  atti- 
tude of  the  world  toward  His  brothers 
(v.  7)  ?  Why  could  not  the  world  hate 
them?  (15:19;  James  4:4;  i  John  4:5.) 
Is  it  always  a  good  sign  when  the  world 
agrees  with  us  and  applauds  us?  (Luke 
6:26.)  What  did  our  Lord  say  was  the 
attitude  of  the  world  toward  Himself?  Is 
that  the  attitude  of  the  world  toward  Him 
today?  (Ro.  8:7.)  Of  what  prophecy  was 
it  a  fulfillment?  (15:23-25;  Ps.  35: 19; 
69:4;  Is.  49:7;  53:3.)  Why  did  the  world 
hate  Him  (v.  7)  ?  How  did  He  testify  of 
the  world  that  its  works  were  evil  by 
word,  or  by  His  life?  (3:19-21;  Luke 
11:39-54-)  How  does  the  world  usually 
feel  toward  one  who  rebukes  its  sin? 
( I  Kings  22:8;  Prov.  9:7,  8;  Amos  7:7-13; 
Acts  5:28-33;  7:51-54.)  How  only  can  a 
preacher  keep  the  favor  of  the  world? 

2.  Our  Lord  and  the  perplexed  people, 
vv.  10-13. 

Did  our  Lord  go  up  to  the  feast  at  all 
(v.  10)?  Why  secretly?  (11:54;  Is. 
42:2,  3;  Matt.  10:16.)     Who  were  watch- 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


141 


ing  for  Him  at  the  feast?  (11:56.)  What 
different  opinions  about  Him  did  the  peo- 
ple express?  Was  either  of  these  opinions 
the  whole  truth  about  Him?  Was  there  a 
similar  diversity  of  opinion  about  Him  on 
any  other  occasion?  (vv.  26,  27,  40-43; 
g:i6;  10:19-21;  Matt.  16:13-16;  Mark  6:14, 
15.)  What  did  this  reveal  as  to 
the  people  themselves?  (Luke  6:45.)  Is 
what  a  man  thinks  of  our  Lord  today  any 
test  of  what  he  is  in  his  heart?  (John 
3:18-21.)  By  what  were  those  who  be- 
lieved in  Him  deterred  from  an  open  con- 
fession of  Him?  (v.  13;  9:22,  23,  34; 
12:42,  43;  19:38;  Gal.  2:12,  13;  2  Tim. 
2:9-13.)  Is  it  enough  to  believe  in  Jesus 
in  secret?     (Matt.  10:32,  33;  Ro.  10:9,  10.) 

S.  Our  Lord  and  the  wondering  people, 
vv.  14-24. 

When  did  our  Lord  first  appear  in  public 
during  the  feast?  What  did  He  then  do? 
Was  He  accustomed  to  go  to  the  temple  to 
teach?  (8:2;  18:20;  Luke  19:47.)  Why? 
What  prophecy  was  thus  fulfilled?  (Hag. 
2:7-9;  Mai.  3:1.)  What  was  the  effect  of 
His  teaching?  (vv.  15,  46;  Matt.  7:28,  29; 
22:22,  2i3',  Luke  2:47.)  Does  His  teaching 
appear  equally  remarkable  to  fair-minded 
men  today?  What  made  it  especially  diffi- 
cult for  the  Jews  to  understand  how  He 
should  be  such  a  remarkable  teacher  of  the 
truth?  What  did  they  mean  by  saying  He 
had  "never  learned"?  Are  there  any  today 
who  think  a  man  can  know  nothing  unless 
he  has  been  to  the  rabbinical  schools? 

What  was  His  own  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion: "How  knoweth  this  Man  letters"  (v. 
16,  R.  V.)?  Was  this  a  reasonable  answer? 
Is  there  any  other  reasonable  way  in 
which  to  account  for  the  unparalleled  wis- 
dom of  the  teaching  of  our  Lord?  To 
what  extent  is  His  teaching  the  teaching  of 
God?  (3:11,  31-34;  8:28;  12:49,  50;  14:10, 
24;  17:8,  14.)     What  must  a  man  do  if  he 


is  to  know  for  himself  to  a  certainty  that 
the  teaching  of  Jesus  is  the  teaching  of 
God  (v.  17)  ? 

Whose  glory  is  that  man  seeking  who 
speaks  for  himself?  Was  our  Lord  seek- 
ing His  own  glory?  (5:41;  8:49,  50.) 
Whose  glory  was  He  seeking?  Whose 
glory  should  each  one  of  us  seek?  If  one 
feels  hurt  when  he  hears  of  some  one  else 
who  has  been  greatly  used  in  God's  work, 
what  does  it  prove  as  to  whose  glory  he  is 
seeking?  If  one  rejoices  when  he  hears 
that  others  are  being  used  more  than  he  is, 
what  does  it  prove  as  to  whose  glory  he  is 
seeking?  (Num.  11:29.)  What  does  our 
Lord  say  of  the  man  who  seeks  not  his 
own  glory  but  the  glory  of  Him  that  sent 
him    (v.    18)? 

Who  did  Jesus  say  gave  the  law?  To 
what  law  did  He  refer?  Is  it  the  opinion 
of  all  scholars  today  that  Moses  gave  this 
law?  Who  is  right  about  this,  Jesus  or 
these  modern  scholars?  How  many  of 
the  Jews  kept  the  law?  (v.  19;  Matt. 
23:2-4;  Ro.  2:12,  13,  17-29;  3:10-23; 
Gal.  6:13.)  What  startling  question 
did  our  Lord  now  put  to  them?  What  did 
the  people  reply?  Was  He  accused  on  any 
.other  occasion  of  having  a  devil  or  being 
crazy?  (8:48,  52;  10:20;  Mark  3:21.) 
Ought  we  to  grieve  if  people  accuse  us  of 
being  crazy  because  of  our  loyalty  to  the 
truth?  (Matt.  10:25;  Acts  26:24.)  Was 
our  Lord  right  in  supposing  that  they  were 
trying  to  kill  Him?  (5:16-18;  10:31,  2,^, 
39;  11:53;  Mark  3:4-6.)  Did  not  the  peo- 
ple know  that  they  were  trying  to  kill 
Him?  (v.  25.)  To  what  work  does  He 
refer  in  v.  21?  (5:9-11.)  How  does  He 
prove  that  it  was  right  according  to  their 
own  law  and  usage  for  Him  to  heal  this 
man  on  the  Sabbath  day  (22,  23)  ?  How 
did  He  tell  them  to  judge?  (8:15;  Is. 
11:3,  4-) 


142 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


CLASSIFICATION     OF    TEACHINGS. 

jr.    God. 

Sent  our  Lord  into  the  world,  gave 
Him  the  doctrine  that  He  should 
teach,  i6;  reveals  to  any  man  who 
wills  to  do  His  will  that  the  doc- 
trine of  our  Lord  is  His  own  doc- 
trine, 17;  man  should  seek  God's 
glory — not  his  own,  should  teach 
God's  doctrine— not  his  own,  should 
surrender  his  will  absolutely  to  God, 
16-18. 

3.    Our  Lord. 

(i)  What  He  did: 
Retired  from  Judea  where  the  Jews 
sought  to  kill  Him,  to  Galilee  where 
He  would  be  comparatively  safe, 
I ;  avoided  publicity,  4,  10 ;  pa- 
tiently awaited  His  time,  6,  8; 
testified  to  the  world  that  its 
works  were  evil,  7;  obeyed  the 
Mosaic  law,  10;  went  up  into  the 
temple  and  taught,  14;  spoke  not 
from  Himself  but  from  God,  16; 
sought  not  His  own  glory,  sought 
the  glory  of  Him  that  sent  Him,  18; 
made  an  entire  man  sound  on  the 
Sabbath  day,  23;  judged  not  accord- 


ing to  appearance  but  judged  right' 
eous  judgment,  24. 
(2)  How  He  was  treated: 
Misunderstood  and  disbelieved  in  by 
His  own  brothers,  3-5;  hated  by  the 
world,  7;  called  a  deceiver  by  some 
of  the  people,  considered  a  good 
man  by  some,  12;  not  confessed  by 
the  multitude  for  fear  of  man,  13; 
marvelled  at  because  of  His  teach- 
ing, 15 ;  the  Jews  sought  to  kill  Him, 
19;  accused  of  having  a  devil  by  the 
people,  20. 

3.  The  brothers  of  our  Lord 

Longed  for  the  praise  of  men,  3,  4; 
disbelieved  in  Jesus,  5 ;  in  agreement 
with  the  world,  7;  observed  the  out- 
ward forms  of  religion,   10. 

4.  Unbelief. 

Its  unreasonableness — refuses  to  be 
convinced  by  sufficient  evidence,  5; 
cannot  see  the  beauty  in  our  Lord 
though  it  is  right  before  its  eyes, 
5;  ostentatious  vanity,  3,  4;  agree- 
ment with  the  world,  7;  unfairness, 
misrepresentations,  20;  cure,  a  sur- 
rendered will,  17. 


LESSON  64. 
Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles  (Continued).     John  7:25-36. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  Many  of  the  people  convinced  tJuit 
Jesus  is  the  Christ,  vv.  25-31. 

How  did  our  Lord  speak  in  those  days 
(v.  26)  ?  Is  there  any  warrant  for  the 
change  from  "boldly"  to  "openly"  in  the 
Revised  Version?  (Compare  the  Greek 
and  R.  V.  of  Acts  4:13;  Eph.  6:19,  20.) 
What  characteristic  of  our  Lord  was  man- 
ifested by  His  bold  speaking  at  this  par- 
ticular time?     (See  v.  25.)     What  thought 


should  make  us  bold  in  declaring  the 
truth  of  God  even  when  we  are  threatened 
with  death?  (Is.  50:7,  8;  Ro.  8:31.) 
What  thought  was  suggested  to  the  people 
by  the  fact  that  the  rulers  said  nothing  to 
our  Lord  though  He  spoke  thus  boldly  (v. 
26)  ?  Did  the  rulers  know  that  He  was 
indeed  the  Christ?  (ii:47-53;  12:42.) 
Did  the  people  really  believe  that  Jesus 
was  the  Christ?  What  reason  did  the 
people    give   for    doubting   it?     What   did 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


143 


they  say  they  knew?  Did  they  know 
whence  Jesus  was?  (8:14.)  Can  a  man 
today  at  the  same  time  know  and  yet  not 
know  whence  Christ  is?  What  did  the 
people  say  about  the  Christ?  Was  that 
true? 

What   did   our  Lord   then   do    (v.  28)? 
Why  did  He  admit  that    there    was    any 
truth  in  their  claim  to  know  whence  He 
was?     In  what  sense  did  they  know  Him, 
and  whence  He  was?     In  what  sense  did 
they  not  know  Him,  and  whence  He  was? 
Would  such  knowledge  save   them?      (20: 
31;     17:3-)      Have    any    today    only    this 
knowledge  of   Jesus    as   a   man    that    the 
Jews  had?     What  will  it  do  for  them  and 
what  will  it  fail  of  doing  for  them?    What 
did  our  Lord  tell  them  about  Himself  that 
they  did   not   know?     How   do   we   know 
that  He  regarded  this  as  a  very  important 
truth?     (8:16,  42;  10:36;  17:8,  25.)     What 
secret  of  a  successful  mission  have  we  in 
these  words  of  our  Lord?     What  did  He 
say  of  the  One  who  sent  Him?    How  true 
is  God?    (Ro.3:4;  Titus  1:2;  i  John  1:5.) 
If  God  is  true,  what  ought  to  be  our  at- 
titude toward  Him?     In  what  four  words 
did   our   Lord    bring    terrible     indictment 
against  the  Jews?      How   important   is   it 
that  a  man  know  God?     (17:3;  2  Thess. 
1:8,  9.)     Was  it  the  thought  of  the  Jews 
about  themselves  that   they  did  not  know 
God?     What    was    their    boast    over    all 
nations?     What  solemn  lesson  is  there  in 
this?     What   is  true   of  many  today  who 
profess    to    know     God?       (Titus     1:16.) 
What  is  the  practical  proof  that    we    do 
know  God?     (i  John  2:3,  4-)     What  was 
the  conclusive  proof   that  these  Jews   did 
not  know  God?     (8:19,  42,  54,  55;  i5:20.) 
In  what  way  and  what  way  alone  can  we 
know  God?     (Matt.  11:27;   i  John  5:20.) 
What  did  our  Lord  say  of  Himself  in 
contrast  to  what  He  had  said  of  the  Jews 


(v.  29)  ?  What  was  the  ground  of  His 
knowledge  of  God?  How  long  had  He 
been  with  God?  (1:2.)  How  is  His 
knowledge  of  God  different  from  a  philoso- 
pher's knowledge  of  God?  Which  con- 
ception of  God  is  more  reliable  and  more 
worthy  of  acceptance— that  of  the  great- 
est philosopher  or  that  of  Jesus?  What 
had  He  a  right  to  say?  Have  you  a  right 
to  say  it? 

What  was  the  effect  of  these  words  of 
our  Lord  on  His  hearers?  Why?  What 
may  any  one  who  testifies  to  the  full  truth 
expect  of  men?  What  was  the  practical 
outcome  of  their  attempt  to  take  Him? 
Why  did  no  man  lay  hands  upon  Him  (v. 
30)  ?  How  far  can  wicked  men  go  in 
their  purposes?  (Ps.  76:10.)  Was  the  re- 
straint by  which  God  held  these  men  back 
visible?  Did  they  realize  what  held  them 
back?  What  lesson  is  there  in  all  this? 
What  great  truth  is  contained  in  the  words : 
"His  hour  was  not  yet  come"?  Were  all 
evil  disposed  toward  our  Lord  (v.  31)? 
Is  it  worth  while  to  save  the  common 
people?    What  question  did  they  ask? 

2.  The  Pharisees  plotting,  and  the  peo- 
ple perplexed,  vv.  32-36. 

What  was  the  effect  upon  the  Pharisees 
of  the  faith  and  words  of  the  people?  Did 
they  succeed?  Why  not  (v.  30)?  What 
was  the  outcome  of  the  attempt?  (vv.  45, 
46.)  What  important  announcement  did 
our  Lord  make?  How  little  a  time  is  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  be  here?  What  was  our 
Lord  to  do  when  the  little  time  was  up? 
What  would  the  Jews  do  after  He  was 
gone?  What  would  be  the  result  of  their 
search?  What  lesson  in  that?  Have  the 
Jews  sought  for  a  Messiah  since  they  re- 
jected the  true  one?  What  would  be  the 
result  of  their  not  finding  Him?  What 
lesson  in  this?  (8:21,  24.)  When  should 
we  seek  the  Lord?     (Is.  55:6.)     Did  the 


144  STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Jews    lay    His    words    to    heart    as    they 
ought?     Why  didn't  they  understand? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

Spoke  boldly  to  the  Jews  though  they 
plotted  His  death,  26;  taught  in  the 
temple,  with  great  earnestness,  came 
not  of  Himself,  sent  of  God,  28; 
knew  God,  was  from  God,  29;  the 
Jews  sought  to  arrest  Him,  no  man 
could   lay  hands    on   Him   until    His 


hour  was  come,  30;  believed  on  by 
many  of  the  people,  did  miracles  that 
even  His  enemies  could  not  deny,  31 ; 
went  to  Him  that  sent  Him,  33;  if 
not  sought  in  the  day  of  opportunity 
cannot  be  found  at  all,  34. 
2.     The  Jczvs. 

Sought  to  kill  Jesus,  25 ;  their  rulers 
knew  that  Jesus  was  indeed  the 
Christ,  26;  were  perplexed  about 
Jesus,  27 ;  knew  not  the  true  God, 
28;  sought  to  arrest  Jesus,  30;  can- 
not go  where  Jesus  went,  34. 


LESSON  65. 

Our  Lord  on  the  Last  and  Great  Day  of  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 

7 :37-53. 


John 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  Our  Lord,  the  giver  of  the  living 
water,  w.  37-39- 

To  what  day  does  the  37th  v.  take  us? 
What  and  why  did  our  Lord  cry  on  the 
last  day  of  the  feast?  What  ceremony 
suggested  the  invitation?  (Lev.  23:36.) 
Could  a  mere  man  give  such  an  invitation 
as  that?  Why  could  our  Lord?  (Matt. 
3:11;  Acts  2:33;  John  1:33;  20:31.)  How 
do  we  see  in  His  attitude  the  eagerness  of 
His  desire  that  men  should  accept  that  in- 
vitation? Whom  did  He  invite?  What 
does  "thirst"  mean?  (Is.  44:3;  55 :i; 
Matt.  5:6;  Rev.  22:17.)  What  is  the 
deepest  thirst  of  the  human  soul?  (Ps. 
42:4;  63:1;  143:6.)  Where  alone  can  this 
thirst  for  God  be  satisfied?  (John  14:6.) 
To  whom  must  he  go?  Will  coming  to  a 
creed,  a  church  or  to  ceremonies  satisfy  a 
man  who  is  athirst?  What  must  he  do  be- 
side "come"?  Will  our  Lord  allow  a 
wicked  man  or  a  skeptical  man  to  come? 
(John   6:37.)      What   sort   of   water  is   it 


He  gives?  (4:10.)  What  is  the  first  re- 
sult of  drinking?  (4:14.)  What  is  the 
second  result  (v.  38)  ?  Before  we  can 
have  the  rivers  of  living  water  flowing  out 
to  others  what  must  we  first  do  ourselves? 
Why  is  it  then  that  there  are  no  rivers 
flowing  out  from  some  of  us?  Why  does 
believing  on  Him  cause  rivers  to  flow  from 
us?  From  whence  in  O.  T.  prophecy  do 
we  see  the  rivers  of  living  water  flowing 
forth?  (Ez.  47:1.)  Is  there  any  connec- 
tion between  the  rivers  flowing  forth  from 
the  temple  and  from  the  believer?  (i  Cor. 
6:19.)  From  whose  dwelling  place  will 
rivers  always  flow  forth?  (Rev.  22:1; 
Zech.   14:8.) 

Whence  did  our  Lord  derive  this  figure 
of  rivers  or  floods  of  water?  (Is.  44:3.) 
When  the  Spirit  comes  to  men.  in  what 
streams  does  He  pour  forth  His  power 
from  them?  (Acts  2:4;  4:3T-")  Were  all 
that  believe  to  receive  the  Holy  Spirit? 
(v.  38;  Ro.  8:9.)  Do  all  believers  have 
the  baptism  with  the  Spirit?     (Acts  8:12. 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


145 


15,  16.)  Can  all  believers  have  it?  (Acts 
2:38;  Eph.  5:18.)  How  is  the  Spirit  re- 
ceived? (Gal.  3:  I,  14.)  When?  (Eph. 
1:13.) 

What  was  necessary  before  this  gift  of 
the  Spirit  could  be  bestowed?  (v.  39; 
John  16:7.)  When  was  it  that  Christ  re- 
ceived this  gift  to  bestow  upon  His  people? 
(Ps.  68:18;  Acts  2:33.)  Are  we  to  under- 
stand that  the  Holy  Spirit  was  not  in  the 
world  at  all  until  our  Lord  was  glorified? 
(Take  a  concordance  and  see.)  Was  this 
glory  something  He  had  never  known  be- 
fore?     (John  17:5.) 

2.  Our  Lord  the  divider  of  men,  vv.  40- 
53- 

What  was  the  effect  of  His  wonderful 
words  upon  the  multitude  who  heard 
them?  What  did  some  recognize  in  Him? 
What  difficulty  did  others  see  in  the  way 
of  accepting  Him  as  the  Christ?  Was  the 
difficulty  a  real  one?  Were  they  right  in 
their  interpretation  of  Scripture?  (Ps. 
132:11;  Is.  ii:i;  Micah  5:2.)  Where  then 
was  their  mistake?  When  we  have  diffi- 
culties with  the  Scriptures  or  with  Christ, 
is  the  source  of  the  difficulty  in  the  Scrip- 
tures and  Christ  or  in  ourselves?  What 
was  the  result  of  all  their  discussion  (v. 
43)  ?  Was  that  the  only  instance  in  which 
Christ  caused  a  division  among  men?  (v. 
12;  John  9:16;  10:19;  Acts  14:4.)  Does 
He  cause  division  among  men  today? 
(Luke  12:51.)  Where  does  He  cause  divi- 
sion oftentimes?  (Matt.  10:35,  36;  Luke 
12:52,  53.)  What  is  the  reason?  Who 
is  to  blame?  How  far  did  the  antagonism 
of  some  go?  Did  they  succeed  in  their 
awful  purpose?  Why  not?  (v.  30;  John 
8:20;  Acts   18:10.) 

What  attempt  had  been  made  against 
Him  by  the  leaders  (v.  32)  ?  Was  it 
successful  (v.  45)  ?  What  was  all  that  it 
had  resulted  in   (v.  46)  ?     Of  what  is  that 


an  illustration?  (Ps.  76:10.)  What  was 
the  testimony  of  the  officers  sent  to  arrest 
Him?  Was  that  testimony  true?  If 
"never  man  so  spake,"  who  was  He?  Did 
the  rulers  deny  that  He  spake  as  never 
man  spake?  What  was  all  their  reply? 
Do  men  nowadays  try  to  settle  the 
claims  of  a  doctrine  or  a  person  by  an  ap- 
peal to  what  "the  rulers"  think?  Would 
it  have  proved  that  our  Lord  was  not  the 
Christ  or  the  Son  of  God  even  if  none  of 
the  rulers  had  believed  upon  Him?  Is  it 
generally  to  great  men  that  God  especially 
reveals  His  truth?  (Matt.  11:25;  i  Cor. 
1:20,  22-28;  2:8.)  Was  it  true  that  none 
of  the  rulers  believed  upon  Him?  (3:2; 
12:42.)  Did  their  belief  count  for  much? 
Why  not?  What  opinion  did  the  leaders 
hold  of  the  multitude  (v.  49,  R.  V.)  ? 
Who  was  it  that  was  really  "accursed"? 
(Gal.   3:10.) 

Who  lifted  a  voice  in  defense  of  our 
Lord?  What  progress  do  we  see  here  in 
Nicodemus?  Did  he  ever  get  beyond  this? 
(John  19:39,  40.)  Was  his  point  well 
taken?  How  did  the  leaders  try  to  get 
around  it?  Is  it  a  common  mode  of  pro- 
cedure when  men  can't  answer  a  point  to 
seek  to  get  around  it  by  calling  the  man 
who  makes  it  names?  What  point  did  the 
Pharisees  try  to  make?  Were  they  right 
about  that?  (Is.  9:1,  2;  Matt.  4:13-16.) 
Is  it  common  to  make  very  positive  asser- 
tions that  men  will  find  things  in  the  Bible 
which  are  not  there  at   all? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 
(i)     His   nature: 

Human,  39;    divine,  2>7,  38,  46. 
(2)     His   characteristics: 
Familiarity  with   the    Scriptures,   earn- 
estness as  a  preacher,  compassion  for 
the  thirsty,  Z7,  39- 


146 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF   OUR  LORD 


(3)  How  He  was  treated  by  men : 
Some    thought    Him    the   prophet,    40; 

some  the  Christ,  41 ;  some  came  and 
drank  and  were  satisfied,  37-39; 
some  stumbled  at  Him,  42;  some 
(the  rulers  generally)  rejected  Him, 
48;  some  hated  Him  and  sought  to 
destroy    Him,   44. 

(4)  What  He  did: 

Spake  as  never  man  spake,  awed  by 
His  teaching  the  officers  sent  to  ar- 
rest Him,  45,  46;  invited  all  the 
thirsty  to  come  to  Him,  gave  living 
water  to  all  who  would  take  it,  2,1  \ 
made  all  who  drank  the  living  water 
themselves  fountains  from  whom 
"rivers  of  living  water"  flowed 
forth  to  others,  38;  gave  the  Spirit 


to  all  who  believed,  39;  caused  divi- 
sion between  those  who  were  of  God 
and  those  who  were  not,  43. 

2.  The  Holy  Spirit. 

Christ's  gift,  all  who  thirst  (intense- 
ly desire)  can  have,  all  who  believe 
on  Christ  receive,  makes  those  who 
do  receive  Him  a  fountain  from 
which  rivers  of  living  water  flow 
forth  to  others,  not  given  until 
Jesus  was  glorified,  37-39. 

3.  All  who— 

All  who  thirst  invited  to  our  Lord,  all 
who  come  can  drink  and  be  satisfied, 
27',  all  who  believe  on  Him  receive 
the  Holy  Spirit,  39;  all  who  believe 
on  Him  made  fountains  of  blessing 
to   others,  38. 


LESSON  66. 
Jesus  The  Light  of  The  World.    John  8 :  12-24. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.  Jesus  the  Light  of  the  World,  vv. 
12-20. 

What  is  the  first  word  of  the  12th  verse 
in  the  R.  V.?  W^hat  lesson  is  there  in  that 
word?  Who  is  the  speaker?  What  is  His 
position  in  the  society  of  the  day?  What 
did  He  say?  That  utterance  shows  Him  to 
be  one  of  three  things:  what  are  they? 
Was  our  Lord  a  lunatic?  Was  He  an  im- 
postor?    What  then  was  He? 

Did  He  say:  "I  am  a  light  of  the 
world"?  From  whom  then  does  the  world 
get  all  its  light?  (1:4,  5,  7-9.)  Who 
does  John  tell  us  in  his  epistle  is  light? 
(i  John  1:5.)  If  then  our  Lord  is  the 
Light  of  the  world,  who  is  He? 

What  does  light  do?  What  does  our 
Lord  do?  Of  what  is  He  the  light?  How 
can  we  prove  that  we  believe  that  He  really 
is  the  Light  of  the  world,  and  not  merely  of 
our  race?     Does  the  average  Christian  be- 


lieve that  He  is  the  Light  of  the  world? 
Is  this  truth  found  anywhere  else  in  the 
Bible?  (Luke  1:78,  79;  Is.  42:6,  7;  49: 
6;  60:1,  2.)  What  has  demonstrated  that 
He  has  a  right  to  say  it?  If  we  would 
see  what  absolute  truth  and  goodness  is, 
where  must  we  look?  Did  our  Lord  merely 
bring  light? 

If  He  is  the  light,  what  must  we  do? 
What  does  it  cost  to  follow  Him?  (Matt. 
16:24.)  What  reward  does  it  bring?  How 
does  the  reward  compare  with  the  cost? 
From  what  kinds  of  darkness  will  follow- 
ing Him  save  us?  If  one  is  walking  in 
darkness,  of  what  may  he  then  be  sure? 
(John  12:46;  Is.  50:10.)  If  then  we  find 
ourselves  in  darkness,  what  should  we 
seek  to  find  out?  What  kind  of  light 
should  we  have   if  we   follow   our   Lord? 

Did  the  Pharisees  let  His  statement  that 
He  was  the  light  of  the  world  produce  its 
right  impression  on  their  hearts  ?    How  did 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


147 


they  seek  to  escape  the  force  of  His  words 
(v.  13)  ?  Did  it  necessarily  prove  that  His 
testimony  was  not  true  because  He  bore 
testimony  of  Himself?  Is  it  true  as  a  rule? 
(5:31-47-)  Why  was  our  Lord's  testi- 
mony true  though  He  bore  testimony  re- 
garding Himself  (v.  14)  ?  What  did  He 
know  about  Himself?  From  whence  did 
He  come  (v.  42)?  (7:29;  10:36;  13:3; 
16:28;  17:8.)  Whither  did  He  go? 
(13:3.)  What  did  the  Pharisees  not 
know  (v.  14)?  (7:27,  28;  9:29,  30.)  How 
did  the  Pharisees  judge?  Is  that  the  right 
way?  (7:24;  I  Sam.  16:7.)  Who  judges 
in  this  way?  What  did  our  Lord  mean  by 
saying:  "I  judge  no  man"  (v.  11)?  (3:17; 
12:47,  48.)  Will  He  ever  judge  any  man? 
(5:22,  23;  Acts  17:31.)  What  kind  of 
judgment  (v.  16)?  (5:22-30;  Ps.  45:6, 
7;  72:1,  2;  98:9;  Is.  9:7;  11:2-5;  32:1, 
2;  Jer.  23:5,  6;  Acts  17:31;  Rev.  19:11.) 
Why  would  His  judgment  be  true  (v.  29)  ? 
(16:32.)  What  principle  of  their  own  law 
would  compel  them  to  accept  His  testimony 
(v.  17)?  (Deut.  19:15.)  Who  were  the 
two  witnesses  to  our  Lord  (v.  18)?  (i 
John  5:9.)  Where  do  we  find  His  wit- 
ness to  Himself?  Where  did  the  Father 
bear  witness  to  Jesus? 

By  what  question  did  the  Pharisees  re- 
veal the  depths  of  their  own  ignorance  (v. 
19)  ?  Is  the  question  in  itself  an  important 
one?  What  was  our  Lord's  answer  (vv.  54, 
55)?  (1:10,  11;  15:21;  16:3.)  Is  it  im- 
portant that  men  know  the  Father  and 
know  Jesus?  (John  17:3;  2  Thess.  i: 
7-9.)  How  alone  can  we  know  the  Father? 
(i  John  5:20;  Matt.  11:27;  John  17:7; 
1:18.)  If  any  one  does  not  know  Jesus, 
of  what  may  we  be  sure?  What  did  they 
wish  to  do  with  Jesus  (v.  20)  ?  Why  did 
they  not  arrest  Him? 

2.  "If  ye  believe  not  that  I  am  He,  ye 
shall  die  in  your  sins,"  vv.  21-24. 


Were  the  words  recorded  in  vv.  21-24 
spoken  on  the  same  occasion  as  the  im- 
mediately preceding  words?  What  two  sol- 
emn statements  does  our  Lord  make  on  this 
occasion?  How  alone  can  a  person 
escape  dying  in  his  sins  (v.  24)?  (3:18, 
Z6;  Mark  16:16;  Acts  4:12;  Heb.  2:3; 
10:26-29;  12:25.)  Which  is  more  sol- 
emn, to  live  in  sin  or  to  die  in  sin?  If  one 
dies  in  his  sin  what  will  be  the  result  (v. 
21)?  How  does  this  bear  upon  the  doc- 
trine that  there  is  another  probation  after 
death?  (Luke  16:22-26.)  For  what  deeds 
are  we  judged  at  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ?  (2  Cor.  5:10;  Heb.  9:27.)  Who 
alone  is  happy  in  his  death?  (Prov.  14: 
32.)  How  did  the  Jews  interpret  our 
Lord's  words :  "Whither  I  go  ye  cannot 
come"  (v.  22)  ?  What  suggested  this  in- 
terpretation to  them?  Would  the  time 
ever  come  when  the  Jews  would  seek  our 
Lord  (v.  21)?  When?  When  must  we 
seek  Him  in  order  to  find  Him?  (Is.  55: 
6;  Luke  13:24,  25.)  When  can  He  be 
found  by  those  that  seek  Him?  (2  Cor. 
6:2;  Heb.  3:7;  Prov.  27:1.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     The  Father. 

Sent  our  Lord  back  into  the  world, 
bore  witness  regarding  His  Son, 
guided  His  Son  in  judgment,  was  al- 
ways with  the  Son,  16,  18;  can  only 
be  known  through  the  Son,  19;  would 
not  allow  any  man  to  lay  hands  on 
Him  until  His  hour  had  come,  20. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 

Divine,  12,  16,  18,  19,  23;  subordinate 
to  the  Father,  16,  18;  the  Light  of  the 
world,  12;  witnessed  to  by  the 
Father,  18;  came  from  God  the 
Father,  14;  sent  by  God  the  Father, 
14,  21 ;  came  not  to  judge  but  to 
save,  15;  a  true  judge,  16;  in  con- 
stant    fellowship     with     the    Father 


148 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


during  His  earthly  life,  i6;  knowl- 
edge of  the  Father  depended  upon 
knowledge  of  Him,  19;  is  from 
above,  not  of  this  world,  23. 

The  Jews. 

Their  enmity  against  our  Lord,  13; 
they  misunderstood  Him,  13,  19,  22; 
knew  not  whence  he  came,  nor 
whither  He  went,  14;  judged  after 
the  flesh,  15 ;  condemned  by  their 
own  Scriptures,  17,  18;  knew  not  the 
Father,  knew   not   the    Son,    19;    re- 


strained by  God  in  their  desire  to 
arrest  our  Lord,  20;  died  in  their 
sins,  could  not  go  to  the  Father 
whither  our  Lord  went,  21 ;  were 
from  beneath,  were  of  this  world,  23. 

The  way  of  blessedness. 

Following  our  Lord,  12;  seeking  Him 
while  He  can  be  found,  21 ;  believing 
on  Him,  24. 

TJic  zvay  of  darkness  and  ruin. 

Refusing  to  follow  our  Lord,  12;  re- 
fusing to  believe  in  Him,  24,  22. 


LESSON  67. 
Jesus  The  One  Who  Makes  Free  Indeed.    John  8:25-47. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.  Questioning  about  Jesus  and  belieV' 
ing  on  Jesus,  vv.  25-30. 

In  the  verses  immediately  preceding  this 
lesson  what  had  our  Lord  said  a  man  must 
do  unless  he  wished  to  die  in  his  sins? 
What  question  did  that  lead  His  hearers  to 
ask?  Is  that  an  important  question? 
(20:31.)  What  was  there,  then,  out  of  the 
way  in  their  asking  it?  Ought  we  to  be 
asking  it  today?  Is  there  any  excuse  today 
for  any  one  in  this  land  not  knowing  who 
He  is?  Why  didn't  these  questioners  know 
who  He  was?  Why  is  it  in  most  cases 
today  that  men  are  in  the  dark  or  in  uncer- 
tainty as  to  who  He  is  ?  Concerning  whom 
did  these  questioners  wish  to  judge?  Who 
did  our  Lord  tell  them  would  do  the  judg- 
ing? How  will  the  tables  be  turned  some 
day  upon  those  who  are  judging  concern- 
ing Him?  What  things  did  He  speak  unto 
the  world?  (John  3:34;  7:16;  17:8.) 
If  then  we  reject  His  teaching  whose  teach- 
ing are  we  rejecting? 

Did  Christ's  hearers  understand  of  whom 
He  was  talking?  Why  not?  (2  Cor.  4: 
3,  4.)  When  should  they  know  who  He 
was?     Where  then  are  the  true  character 


and  deity  of  our  Lord,  and  His  unreserved 
surrender  to  the  will  of  the  Father,  most 
clearly  revealed?  What  illustrations  have 
we  of  those  who  recognized  Him  as  what 
He  really  was  after  He  was  "lifted  up"? 
(Matt.  27:5,  54;  Acts  2:41;  4:4.)  What 
thought  more  comforting  even  than  that 
God  had  sent  Him  did  our  Lord  have  to 
sustain  Him  (v.  29)  ?  In  what  great  crisis 
and  trial  of  His  life  was  He  sustained  by 
this  thought?  (John  16:32.)  What  other 
servant  of  God  comforted  himself  with 
this  thought?  (2  Tim.  4:17.)  Who  else 
have  a  right  to  comfort  themselves  with  the 
same  thought?  (Heb.  13:5,  6.)  Why  was 
it  that  the  Father  was  with  our  Lord  and 
had  not  left  Him  alone?  If  we  want  Him 
to  be  with  us  and  hear  us,  what  must  we 
do?  (i  John  3:22.)  Why  is  He  not  with 
some  of  us?  How  much  of  the  time  did 
our  Lord  do  the  things  that  pleased  the 
Father?  (4:34;  5:3°;  6:38;  14:31;  15: 
10;  17:4-) 

What  was  the  efifect  of  these  words  ?  Do 
they  make  you  believe  on  Him? 

2.  True  discipleship  and  true  freedom, 
vv.  31-36. 

What  two  important  changes  are  made  in 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD  149 


V.  31  in  the  R.  V.?  Why  does  John  say: 
"Jesus  therefore  said,  etc."?  Had  these 
Jews  "believed  on"  our  Lord?  (See  R.  V.) 
What  did  He  wish  this  dawning  faith  to  de- 
velop into?  Did  it  in  all  of  them  (v.  37, 
R.  V.-44)  ?  Did  that  faith  save  them? 
What  kind  of  faith  is  it  that  saves?  (Ro. 
10:10.)  How  does  the  real  heart-faith 
manifest  itself?  (John  1:12;  2  Tim.  i: 
12.)  What  did  our  Lord  say  that  these 
men  who  "believed  Him"  but  did  not  as  yet 
"believe  on"  Him  must  do  if  they  would  be 
"truly"  His  disciples?  What  then  is  the  at- 
mosphere in  which  the  true  disciple  lives, 
and  the  soil  in  which  his  life  roots  itself? 
Is  the  necessity  of  continuing  in  the  Word 
and  the  life  which  grows  from  the  Word 
much  dwelt  upon  in  the  N.  T.?  How  can 
we  continue?  (Acts  26:22;  Heb.  10:38, 
39;  I  John  2:24.)  If  we  do  not  continue 
what  does  it  prove?     (i  John  2:19.) 

What  two  further  promises  does  our 
Lord  make  to  those  who  abide  in  His  word 
(32)  ?  If  any  one  then  wishes  to  know  the 
truth  what  should  he  do?  If  he  wishes  to 
be  free  what  should  he  do?  What  three 
things  flow  from  simply  abiding  in  His 
word?  Does  He  say  that  they  shall  know 
"a  truth"  or  "some  truths"  ?  How  much  of 
"the  truth"?     (John  16:13,  R.  V.) 

What  had  He  indicated  to  these  Jews 
that  they  were?  Did  they  like  this  (v.  33)  ? 
Do  men  like  it  today  when  you  tell  them 
that  they  are  slaves?  Did  the  Jews  admit 
it?  How  could  they  deny  their  bondage? 
How  can  men  out  of  Christ  deny  it  today? 
How  did  our  Lord  show  them  that  with  all 
their  boasted  liberty  they  were  slaves?  Is 
that  as  true  in  America  as  in  Judea?  Who 
is  a  slave  (v.  34)  ?  What  are  the  fetters 
with  which  the  sinner  is  bound?  (Prov.  S: 
22;  Acts  8:23.)  Who  alone  can  give  free- 
dom from  this  awful  slavery  of  sin  (v. 
36)?    What  kind  of  freedom?     To  whom 


will  He  give  it  (vv.  31,  32)  ?    vVhy  can  He 
make   free  indeed    (v.  3S)  ?     (Heb.  7:25.) 

3.     Children  of  God  and  children  of  the 
Devil,  vv.  37-47- 

What  was  our  Lord's  aaswer  to  their 
claim  to  be  "Abraham's  seed"?  How  did 
they  show  that  though  they  were  "Abra- 
ham's seed"  they  were  not  "'Abraham's 
children"  (vv.  37,  39.  4°)?  iRo.  9  7-) 
Why  did  they  who  once  "believed  Him" 
(v.  31,  R.  V.)  now  wish  to  kill  Him  (v.  37, 
R.  V.)  ?  If  one  sees  the  truth  and  then  re- 
fuses to  let  the  Word  have  "free  course"  in 
him  what  is  the  inevitable  result?  \A/hat 
class  of  men  most  bitterly  hate  Christ? 
Where  had  our  Lord  learned  the  truth  He 
spoke  (v.  38)  ?  Where  had  they  learned 
the  deeds  they  wrought?  Whom  did  these 
Jews  claim  for  their  father  (vv.  39,  41)? 
Whom  did  they  really  have  for  their 
father  (v.  44)  ?  Are  there  any  today  who 
claim  God  for  their  Father  who  really  have 
the  Devil  for  their  father?  What  is  the 
mark  of  a  true  child  of  Abraham  (v.  39)  ? 
(Ro.  4 ••12,  16;  Gal.  3  7,  29.)  What  is 
the  first  mark  of  a  true  child  of  God? 
(Matt.  5:45;  Eph.  5:1.)  What  did  our 
Lord  say  they  would  surely  do  if  they  were 
God's  children  (v.  42)  ?  Why  would  a 
child  of  God  surely  love  Him?  If  then 
one  does  not  love  our  Lord  is  he  a  child  of 
God?  What  is  he  (v.  44)  ?  Why  had  not 
these  Jews  understood  what  He  said  (v. 
43)  ?  Are  there  any  today  who  are  in- 
capable of  hearing  Christ's  word?  (i  Cor. 
2:14.)  Who  is  to  blame  for  that?  (John 
3:19;  5:44.)  How  can  "any  man"  be- 
come capable  of  hearing  and  understanding 
Christ's  word?     (John  7:17,  R.  V.) 

What  are  the  two  chief  characteristics  of 
the  Devil  (v.  44)  ?  What  then  are  the 
two  clearest  marks  of  a  child  of  the  Devil? 
(i  John  3:15,  12.)  How  did  the  Devil  get 
into  the  awful  position  in  which  he  now  is 


150 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


(v.  44,  R.  V.)  ?  How  had  these  children 
of  his  got  into  the  awful  position  in  which 
they  were  (v.  :i7)  ?  What  will  be  the  re- 
sult if  we  refuse  to  accept  and  "stand  in 
the  truth"?  What  was  the  principal  reason 
why  these  Jews  refused  to  beheve  our 
Lord  (v.  45 )  ?  What  is  the  principal 
reason  why  men  refuse  to  believe  Him  and 
the  Bible  today?  (2  Thess.  2:10;  2  Tim. 
4:3,  4.)  Is  it  anything  against  the  Bible 
that  men  who  love  sin  and  error  don't  be- 
lieve it?  What  did  our  Lord  challenge 
them  to  do?  Could  any  of  them  do  it? 
Why  not?  (14:30;  15:10;  2  Cor.  5:21; 
Heb.   4:15;  7:26;  I  Peter  2:22.) 

What  mark  of  a  child  of  God  is  given  in 
v.  47?  (10:26,  27;  17:8.)  Why  did  the 
Jews  not  hear  them  (v.  47)  ?  Why  do  men 
today  not  hear  them?  What  must  one  do 
to  be  born  of  God?      (1:12.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus. 

(i)     His  nature: 
A  man,  40;   Son  of  man,  38;    Son  of 
God,  38,  42. 

(2)  His  character: 
Sinless,  46. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

Nothing  of  Himself,  but  as  the  Father 
taught  Him,  38;  always  the  things 
that  pleased  His  heavenly  Father, 
29;  made  free  indeed,  36. 

(4)  His  relation  to  the  Father : 

Born  of  Him,  38,  42;  sent  by  Him,  26; 
sustained  by  Him,  29. 

(5)  His  relation  to  Satan: 
Hated  by  him,  42-44- 

(6)  His  relation  to  man : 

Hated  by  him,  37,  40;  crucified  by 
him,  28. 

(7)  As  a  preacher: 

Taught  of  God,  40,  26,  28;  declared  to 
the   world   the   truth   He   had   heard 


from  God,  26;  told  the  truth,  40; 
preached  with  great  plainness,  44; 
His  preaching  rejected,  45. 

2.  The  Word. 

Abiding  in  the  Word  makes  true  dis- 
ciples, 31 ;  begets  knowledge  of  the 
truth,  32;  brings  freedom  from  sin's 
power,  32;  unbelief  in  the  Word  the 
result  of  hatred  of  the  truth,  45 ;  the 
Word  listened  to  by  all  God's  chil- 
dren, despised  by  those  who  are  not 
God's  children,  47. 

3.  Satan. 

His  personality,  fall,  character — a  liar, 
father  of  lies,  original  murderer,  44; 
hated  Christ  and  wished  to  destroy 
Him,  38,  44. 

4.  Children  of  God. 

Marks  by  which  they  can  be  known — 
act  like  God,  39;  love  our  Lord,  42; 
hear  God's  words,  47. 

5.  Children  of  the  Devil. 
(i)     Who  they  are: 

All  haters,  liars,  44;  who  reject  the 
truth,  45;  who  do  not  love  Christ, 
42. 

(2)  Steps  in  their  downward  career: 
Believe  Jesus  but  do   not    beHeve    on 

Him,  31,  R.  V. ;  refuse  to  let  the  truth 
have  free  course  in  them,  their  dawn- 
ing faith  transformed  to  murder- 
ous hate,  27- 

(3)  What  they  do: 

Will  to  do  the  lusts  of  their  father. 
44,  R.  v.;  reject  those  who  speak  the 
truth,  45;  hate  our  Lord  even  unto 
death,  40. 

(4)  What  they  will  not  do : 
Acknowledge  their  real  condition,   33; 

hear  God's  Word,  47. 

(5)  What  they  cannot  do: 

Hear  and  understand  the  word  of 
Christ,  43. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 


151 


LESSON  68. 
'Before  Abraham  Was,  I  Am."     John  8:48-59. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  "If  a  man  keep  My  Word  he  shall 
never  taste  of  death,"  vv.  48-52. 

What  two  slanders  against  our  Lord  did 
the  Jews  utter  in  v.  48?  To  what  extent 
was  the  word  "Samaritan"  a  term  of  op- 
probrium in  that  day?  (4:9.)  Did  they 
accuse  Him  of  being  possessed  of  a  demon 
on  any  other  occasion?  (7:20;  10:20;  Matt. 
12:24.)  If  they  spoke  this  way  of  our 
Lord  what  may  we  expect  if  we  are  loyal 
to  Him?  (Matt.  10:25.)  Ought  we  to 
dread  this  reproach?  (Heb.  13:15;  Matt. 
5:10-12.)  Of  what  was  this  treatment  a 
fulfillment?     (Is.  49:7;  53:3.) 

How  did  He  reply  to  the  charge  (v.  49)  ? 
Whose  honor  was  He  seeking?  Whom 
were  the  Jews  seeking  to  dishonor?  Was 
He  seeking  also  His  own  glory?  (5:41, 
R.  v.;  7:18-)  While  He  sought  not  His 
own  glory,  who  did  seek  the  glory  of  Christ 
(v.  50)  ?  To  what  extent  does  the  Father 
desire  that  our  Lord  should  be  glorified? 
(Phil.   2:9-11.) 

By  what  words  does  He  emphasize  the 
importance  of  what  He  is  about  to  say  in 
V.  51?  {Z'-i,  5;  5:24.)  What  astounding 
statement  did  He  make  about  those  who 
kept  His  word  (v.  51,  R.  V.)?  Is  it  true? 
What  does  it  mean?  What  was  the  effect 
of  this  utterance  upon  the  Jews  (v.  52)  ? 
What  would  we  think  today  if  we  should 
hear  any  man  say:  "If  a  man  keep  my 
word,  he  shall  never  see  death"?  By  say- 
ing this,  what  did  our  Lord  make  Himself? 

2.  "Before  Abraham  was,  I  am,"  vv.  53- 
59- 

What  question  did  the  Jews  now  put  to 
our  Lord?  In  what  way  had  He  made 
Himself  to  be  greater  than  the  prophets? 


To  what  extent  is  He  greater  than  Abra- 
ham (v.  58)?  (10:29,  30;  Is.  9:6;  Matt. 
12:6,  41,  42;  Ro.  9:5;  Heb.  3:2,  3;  7:1-7-) 
What  further  question  did  the  Jews  put  to 
Him?  What  did  His  utterance  really  im- 
ply that  He  considered  Himself  to  be? 
(5:18;  10:33;  19:7.)  Was  it  only  Jesus 
Himself  who  regarded  Him  as  divine  (v. 
54)  ?  What  does  our  Lord  call  God  in  v. 
54?  What  did  the  Jews  say  of  Jehovah 
(v.  54)  ?  Was  He  really  their  God?  What 
did  He  say  of  the  Jews'  relation  to  God  in 
V.  55?  Are  there  any  today  who  claim  to 
know  God  but  who  do  not  really  know 
Him?  Who  did  not  know  God  (v.  55)? 
How  alone  can  we  know  Him?  (1:18; 
14:6;  Matt.  11:27.)  How  did  our  Lord 
prove  that  He  knew  God?  How  can  we 
prove  that  we  really  know  God  and  His 
Son  Jesus  Christ?  (i  John  2:4.)  To 
what  extent  did  He  keep  the  word  of  the 
Father?     (v.  29.) 

What  astounding  statement  does  our 
Lord  make  in  v.  56?  On  what  occasion  did 
Abraham  see  Jesus  Christ?  (Gen.  18.) 
What  was  the  effect  upon  Abraham  of  see- 
ing the  day  of  Jesus  Christ?  What  will  be 
the  effect  upon  any  one  who  really  sees  Him 
as  He  is?     (i  Peter  1:8.) 

What  was  the  effect  upon  the  Jews  of 
His  statement  that  Abraham  had  seen  His 
day?  What  question  did  they  put  to  Him 
(v.  57)?  In  what  spirit  did  they  put  it? 
What  statement  did  He  make  in  reply?  Did 
He  merely  say:  "Before  Abraham  was,  I 
was"?  What  is  the  significance  in  this  con- 
nection of  the  words  "I  am"?  (Ex.  3:14; 
Is.  43:13;  44:6;  46:9;  48:12;  Rev.  1:8.) 
How  long  has  our  Lord  existed? 

What  was  the  effect  of    this    statement 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


upon  the  Jews?  As  what  did  they  regard 
Him?  What  was  the  Jewish  law  regard- 
ing the  blasphemer?  (Lev.  24:16.)  If  He 
was  not  divine  were  the  Jews  justified  in 
stoning  Him  according  to  the  Jewish  law? 
What  then  does  the  one  who  denies  the 
deity  of  Jesus  justify?  On  what  other  oc- 
casion did  the  Jews  attempt  to  stone  Him? 
(10:30-33.)  Who  prevented  the  Jews  from 
killing  him  on  this  occasion?  Was  He  justi- 
fied in  hiding  Himself?  Did  He  hide  from 
His  enemies  on  any  other  occasion? 
(10:39,  40;    11:54-) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  The  Father. 

Honored  by  our  Lord,  49;  sought  His 
glory,  judgeth,  50;  honored  the  Son, 
54;  known  by  the  Son,  55;  protected 
the  Son,  59. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 


3- 


Divine,  51,  58;  human,  59;  subordinate 
to  the  Father,  55. 

(2)  What  He  did: 

Honored  the  Father,  49;  sought  not 
His  own  glory,  50;  gave  eternal  life 
to  those  who  kept  His  word,  51; 
knew  the  Father,  55;  hid  Himself 
from  His  enemies,  59. 

(3)  How  He  was  treated: 

(a)  By  man — called  a  Samaritan, 
charged  with  having  a  demon,  48,  52; 
dishonored  by  the  Jews,  49;  assault- 
ed, 59. 

(b)  By  God — honored,  54;  the  Father 
sought  His  glory,  50;  protected,  59. 

The  Jews. 

Misunderstood  our  Lord,  48,  52,  59; 
accused  Him  of  being  a  Samaritan, 
of  having  a  demon,  48,  52;  dishon- 
ored Him,  49;  were  liars,  55;  sought 
to  stone  Him,  59. 


(i)     What  He  was: 

LESSON  69. 

Our  Lord  Steadfastly  Setting  His  Face  to  Go  to  Jerusalem.    Luke  9:51-62. 

(Compare  Matthew  19:1,  2;  8:19-22;  Mark  10:1.) 

Mai.  3:1).  Who  may  have  today  the  priv- 
ilege of  preparing  the  way  for  our  Lord? 

Had  He  ever  visited  the  Samaritans  be- 
fore? How  had  He  been  received?  (John 
4:40-42.)  How  was  He  received  on  this 
occasion?  Why?  How  was  this  rejection 
of  our  Lord  taken  by  His  disciples?  Was 
it  pure  love  for  Him  that  inspired  them 
to  make  this  suggestion?  What  were  they 
illustrating?  Do  the  professed  disciples  of 
Jesus  today  ever  show  a  similar  spirit? 
How  did  He  treat  their  suggestion  (v.  55)  ? 
Why  did  He  rebuke  them?  (Rev.  3:19.) 
If  we  treat  with  anger  and  bitterness  even 
those  who  reject  our  Lord,  what  does  He 
do  with  us? 

2.    The   would-be   disciple   zvho   did  not 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.  Disciples  zvho  did  not  understand  their 
Master,  w.  51-56. 

What  time  was  drawing  nigh  (v.  51,  R. 
V.)?  What  is  meant  by  "being  received 
up"?  (24:51;  Mark  16:19;  John  6:62; 
13:1;  16:5,  28;  17:11;  Acts  1:2,  9;  Eph. 
1 :20;  4:8-11 ;  i  Tim.  3:16;  Heb.  6:20;  12:2; 
I  Peter  3:22.)  What  must  occur  before 
His  receiving  up?  In  full  knowledge  of 
the  agony  that  awaited  Him,  what  did  our 
Lord  do?  What  characteristics  come  out 
in  His  steadfastly  setting  His  face  to  go  to 
Jerusalem?  (12:50;  Acts  20:22-24;  21:11- 
14.)  How  did  He  prepare  the  way  for 
His  own  approach   (v.  52)?     (7:27;  10:1; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


153 


count  the  cost  of  foUozving  Christ,  vv.  57- 
58. 

What  position  did  the  speaker  in  v.  57 
occupy?  (Matt.  8:19.)  Were  the  men  of 
this  class  as  a  rule  kindly  disposed  toward 
our  Lord?  What  led  Him  to  break  with 
his  associates  and  ofifer  to  attach  himself 
to  our  Lord?  What  did  the  man  say? 
Was  that  a  good  resolution?  (Matt.  16:24; 
19:28;  John  8:12;  10:27,  28;  12:26;  Rev. 
14:4.)  Did  he  have  any  adequate  idea  of 
how  much  was  involved  in  this  promise? 
Who  else  in  the  Gospel  story  made  a  sim- 
ilar declaration  without  due  consideration 
of  what  it  meant  and  of  his  own  inability 
to  live  up  to  it?  (John  13:37;  Mark  14:31; 
Ex.  19:8.)  Are  such  rash  and  inconsider- 
ate avowals  of  a  determination  to  follow 
our  Lord  "anywhere,  everywhere"  common 
today?  How  did  He  deal  with  this  man? 
What  does  He  desire  that  every  one  should 
do  before  starting  out  to  be  a  follower  of 
Him?  (Luke  14:28-33.)  Is  it  in  the  line 
of  Christ's  method  when  we  are  trying  to 
lead  men  to  Him  to  picture  only  the  rosy 
side  of  the  Christian  life,  or  should  we 
show  a  young  disciple  from  the  very  out- 
set that  there  are  hardships  and  trials  to 
be  met  in  the  path  of  true  discipleship? 
(Matt.  16:24;  2  Tim.  2:3;  3:12.)  What  did 
our  Lord  tell  this  man  he  must  expect  if 
he  becomes  a  follower  of  Him?  Does  a 
purpose  to  follow  Him  if  intelligent  always 
involve  a  willingness  to  be  a  homeless  wan- 
derer on  earth?  What  must  every  true  dis- 
ciple be  willing  to  take?  (John  15:20;  i 
Peter  2:21.)  What  according  to  this  58th 
verse  was  the  character  of  the  Saviour's 
own  life  on  earth?  Ought  any  disciple  to 
complain  if  he  does  not  own  a  home,  or 
even  has  no  certain  resting  place  for  the 
night?  Who  furnished  our  Lord  with  a 
resting  place  for  His  head  when  the  night 


came  round?  Who  will  always  furnish  us 
with  a  resting  place  when  the  time  comes 
if  we  only  trust  and  obey  Him?  (Phil. 
4:19.)  Why  did  He  spend  His  Hfe  here 
on  earth  in  poverty?  (2  Cor.  8:1,  9.) 
Would  it  be  a  good  thing  if  some  of  His 
disciples  today  would  voluntarily  forego 
the  luxuries  and  comforts  of  life  and  lead 
such  a  hfe  of  simplicity  and  poverty  as  He 
and  Paul  lived?  What  might  be  thought 
of  any  one  of  real  ability  and  talent  who 
did?  Was  that  ever  thought  of  Jesus  Him- 
self?    (John  10:20.) 

3.  The  zvould-be  disciple  who  zvished  to 
delay  follozving  Christ  until  a  more  con- 
venient season,  vv.  59-60. 

What  invitation  did  our  Lord  extend  to 
another  man?  Was  he  already  in  some 
sense  a  disciple?  (Matt.  8:21.)  What  did 
that  invitation  mean?  (Matt.  4:19;  9:9.) 
What  did  the  acceptance  of  the  invitation 
involve?  (Matt.  4:20,  22;  16:24;  Luke 
5:11.)  Would  it  pay  then  to  accept? 
(Mark  10:29,  3o.)  Did  the  man  reahze 
what  the  invitation  involved?  Was  he 
willing  to  accept  it  at  all?  What  then  was 
the  only  difficulty  with  him?  Are  there 
any  today  who  are  willing  to  follow  Christ 
but  wish  to  do  something  else  first?  What 
was  it  that  this  man  desired  to  do  first? 
Isn't  it  a  proper  thing  for  a  disciple  of 
Christ  to  do  to  see  to  the  proper  burial  of 
his  father?  Where  then  was  the  fault 
with  this  man's  request  ?  Is  it  proper  to  put 
anything,  no  matter  how  innocent  or  sacred 
in  itself,  before  obedience  to  Christ?  (Matt. 
6:33.)  What  must  be  made  secondary  to 
His  claims?     (Matt.  10:37;  Luke  14:26.) 

What  was  Christ's  answer  to  this  re- 
quest? Was  this  man's  father  dead  yet? 
Who  were  "the  dead"  that  our  Lord  meant 
could  attend  to  the  burial  of  the  dead? 
(Eph.  2:1,  5;    I  Tim.  5:6.)     What  should 


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this  disciple  do?  How  does  this  bear  upon 
the  duty  of  those  whom  God  has  called  to 
go  and  preach  the  Gospel  who  feel  that 
perhaps  they  ought  to  remain  at  home  and 
look  after  the  comfort  of  their  parents  and 
see  to  their  burial  when  the  time  comes? 
Are  men  as  likely  to  think  that  they  must 
stay  at  home  and  look  after  their  aged 
parents  when  some  great  opportunity  for 
money  making  opens  at  a  distance  as  when 
some  call  for  missionary  service  comes 
from  a  distance? 

4.  The  zvould-he  disciple  who  was  not 
willing  to  cut  zi'hoUy  loose  from  the  world, 
vv.  61-62. 

To  what  resolution  did  the  third  man 
give  utterance?  Was  that  a  good  resolu- 
tion? Was  he  fully  settled  in  it?  What 
showed  that  he  was  not  ?  What  would  bid- 
ding farewell  to  his  friends  involve?  Do 
men  ever  determine  nowadays  to  follow 
Christ  but  wish  to  take  a  farewell  look  at 
the  world?  How  does  that  all  generally 
end?  Who  stands  out  in  sacred  history  as 
the  awful  and  impressive  example  of  the 
folly  of  taking  a  last  lingering  farewell 
look  at  the  world  we  are  leaving  behind? 
(Luke  17:32;  Gen.  19:26.) 

What  was  Christ's  answer  to  this  man? 
If  a  man  wishes  to  plough  a  good  straight 
furrow  what  must  he  always  keep  doing? 
What  must  the  disciple  who  desires  to  cut 
a  good  furrow  in  Christian  life  and  service 
always  keep  doing?  (Phil.  3:13.)  What  is 
God's  feeling  toward  those  who  draw  back? 
(Heb.  10:38.)  What  is  their  end?  (Heb. 
10:39.)  If  we  wish  to  hold  on  to  Christ 
and  the  kingdom  what  must  we  do  with 
the  world  and  worldly  friendship?  (Luke 
14:33.)  If  we  hold  on  to  the  world  what 
must  we  do  with  Christ  and  the  kingdom? 
Which  will  you  hold  on  to,  and  which  will 
you  let  go,  Christ  and  the  kingdom  or  the 
world? 


CLASSIFICATION   OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

His  deity,  51;  humanity,  51,  56,  58;  Son 
of  Man,  58;  ascension,  51;  Messianic 
office — fearless  devotion  to  duty,  51 ; 
steadfast  determination,  57;  poverty, 
homelessness,  58;  wise  and  fearless 
dealing  with  the  mistakes  of  would- 
be  disciples,  57-62;  claims  superior 
to  the  most  tender  and  sacred  earthly 
claims,  59,  60;  method  of  dealing 
with  those  who  desired  to  follow 
Him— 

(a)  The  thoughtless  and  hasty  He  bids 
count    the    cost,    57,    58; 

(b)  The  procrastinating  He  bids  sun- 
der the  most  sacred  ties  and  follow 
at  once,  59; 

(c)  The  hesitating  He  bids  to  cut  loose 
entirely  from  the  world  and  not  to 
take  a  single  look  back,  62;  rejection 
by  the  Samaritans,  53. 

2.  Conditions  of  true  discipleship. 

A  willingness  to  suffer  extreme  pov- 
erty and  hardship,  to  be  as  our  Lord 
Himself  was,  to  suffer  as  our  Lord 
Himself  suffered,  58;  to  make  the 
tenderest  ties  subordinate  to  the 
claims  of  and  obedience  to  Christ,  to 
obey  our  Lord  and  preach  the  Gos- 
pel no  matter  what  calls  away,  to 
obey  at  once,  60;  to  cut  entirely 
loose  from  the  world  and  never  cast 
a  single  glance  back  at  it,  62. 

3.  Three   "I   will   follow    Thee's"    which 

count  for  nothing  with  Christ. 
(i)     The    "I   will   follow   Thee"   of   the 
one  who  does  not  count  the  cost,  57, 
58; 

(2)  The  "I  will  follow  Thee"  of  the  one 
who  wishes  to  do  something  else 
first,   59,  60; 

(3)  The  "I  will  follow  Thee"  of  the  one 
who  is  not  willing  to  cut  entirely 
loose  from  the  world,  61,  62. 


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155 


LESSON  70. 
The  Mission  of  the  Seventy.     Luke  10:1-16. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE  FACTS. 

1.  The  Lord's  command  to  pray,  w.  i,  2. 
What   was   the   purpose   of   the   sending 

forth  of  the  seventy?  What  is  the  purpose 
of  sending  forth  workers  today?  Why 
were  seventy  sent?  How  were  they 
sent?  Why?  (Deut.  32:30;  Matt.  18:19, 
20.)  Was  this  sending  forth  two  by  two 
followed  in  the  church  in  later  days? 
(Mark  d.T,  Acts  13:2-4;  15:39,  40;  Rev. 
11:3.)  Is  it  a  good  arrangement  today 
What  thought  did  our  Lord  give  utter 
ance  to  as  an  incentive  to  and  prepara 
tion  for  the  work  upon  which  they  en- 
tered? Is  that  a  thought  Christian  work- 
ers need  to  get  hold  of  today?  Is  it  true 
,today  that  the  harvest  is  great?  And  the 
workers  few?  Is  there  work  for  every 
Christian?  Why  is  it  then  that  so  many 
can't  find  anything  to  do? 

To  do  what  first  would  Christ  have  the 
greatness  of  the  harvest  send  the  disciples? 
What  is  the  first  thing  we  should  do  when 
we  see  the  greatness  of  the  harvest  and 
the  fewness  of  the  laborers?  When  we 
see  the  need  of  a  worker  in  any  special 
direction  or  any  special  field?  Will  God 
answer  the  prayer?  Who  is  the  Lord  of 
the  harvest?  (Matt.  13:37.  41;  Acts  22:21; 
Acts  26:15-18.)  If  a  laborer  is  to  be  of 
anv  tit;e  by  whom  must  he  be  sent?  What 
is  the  exact  force  of  the  words  "send 
forth"?  CSee  Greek.)  If  we  are  honestly 
to  pray  the  prayer,  what  must  we  be  will- 
ing: to  do? 

2.  The  Lord's  command  to  go.  w.  3-9. 
Havingr   praved    for   laborers   what   were 

they  to  do?  What  then  are  the  two  things 
that  an  appreciation  of  the  largeness  of  the 
harvest   are   to   drive   us   to?     How   were 


they  to  be  sent  forth?  Was  that  a  very 
encouraging  thought  to  start  out  with? 
Ought  the  Christian  worker  to  be  disap- 
pointed if  he  is  not  always  received  with 
hospitality  and  abounding  gratitude?  Are 
Christians  willing  to  go  forth  today  as 
lambs  in  the  midst  of  wolves  ?  Do  we  need 
workers  who  are? 

Were  they  to  carry  much  baggage?  Why 
not?  Is  the  efficiency  of  an  ambassador  of 
Christ  nowadays  ever  impaired  by  too 
much  baggage?  (2  Tim.  2:4.)  Is  the  exact 
letter  of  these  directions  binding  upon  am- 
bassadors of  Christ  under  all  circum- 
stances? (Luke  22:35,  36.)  Did  these  am- 
bassadors get  fed?  Is  the  obedient,  faith- 
ful ambassador  always  sure  to  be  fed? 

What  was  the  next  direction  He  gave 
the  seventy?  Its  purpose?  The  practical 
lesson  for  us?  What  was  to  be  their  first 
thought  when  they  entered  a  home?  What 
is  too  often  the  first  thought  of  Christian 
workers  today  when  they  enter  homes  for 
entertainment?  Would  their  benediction 
do  any  good?  Would  the  good  wish  and 
the  benediction  be  lost  if  the  home  was 
not  ready  to  receive  it?  Are  true  prayers 
ever  lost?  What  was  the  peace  the  dis- 
ciples were  to  impart?  Is  there  any  lesson 
in  that  for  us?  What  direction  did  our 
Lord  give  the  seventy  as  to  where  they 
were  to  stop?  Why  were  they  not  to  go 
from  house  to  house?  Has  the  ambassador 
of  Christ  any  time  for  empty  feastings  and 
social  frivolities?  What  were  they  to  eat? 
Will  the  worker  who  leaves  a  field  be- 
cause the  fare  is  too  plain  have  much 
power  for  God?  Need  the  ambassador  who 
is  living  upon  the  gifts  of  those  to  whom 
he  ministers  feel  like  a  beggar? 


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What  was  to  be  the  work  of  the  seventy? 
To  whom  else  was  the  same  commission 
given?  (9:1,  2.)  Is  the  ministry  to  both 
body  and  soul  the  proper  function  of  the 
missionaiy  today?  Is  the  healing  of  the 
sick  a  part  of  the  missionary's  commission? 
(Luke  4:40;  6:1,  7,  19;  9:1,  2;  10:9;  Acts 
6:5,  8;  Jas.  5:14,  15;  Mark  6:5,  6;  16:17, 
18;  John  14:12;  Matt.  4:23;  9:35-)  What 
was  the  burden  of  their  message?  What 
does  the  "kingdom  of  God"  mean?  (17: 
20,  21;  Dan.  2:44;  Matt.  3:2;  4:17;  10:7; 
John  3:3,  5;  Acts  28:28,  31.) 

S.  The  Lord's  esteem  for  His  workers 
w.  10-16. 

What  were  they  to  do  where  they  were 
not  received?  The  meaning  of  that  act? 
Its  purpose?  (9:5.)  The  practical  lesson? 
(9:5;  Acts  13:51;  18:6.)  Did  Christ's  love 
altogether  give  them  up?  Did  their  un- 
belief invalidate  the  truth  of  God?  What 
would  be  the  result  to  the  city?  Which 
is  guiltier,  Sodom  or  the  modern  city  that 
rejects  Christ's  truth?  Why?  (John  3: 
19.)  What  is  the  measure  of  a  city's  or 
an  individual's  guilt?  In  what  was  the 
greater  guilt  of  Chorazin  and  Bethsaida 
than  that  of  Sodom  seen?  What  is  meant 
by  repenting  in  sackcloth  and  ashes?  (Job 
42:6;  Dan.  9:3.)  Is  sorrow  and  self- 
abasement  an  accompaniment  of  true  re- 
pentance? What  is  it  according  to  this 
verse  that  leads  to  repentance?  Why  are 
Tyre,  Sidon  and  Sodom  chosen  as  the 
cities  to  set  over  against  Chorazin  and 
Bethsaida?  What  does  a  man  show  as  to 
the  condition  of  his  heart  when  he  rejects 
Christ?  What  must  our  Lord  have  thought 
of  Himself  to  have  said  that  the  rejection 
of  Himself  was  the  sin  that  deserved  the 
deepest  condemnation?  Have  we  any 
record  of  the  mighty  works  done  in  Chor- 
azin? With  what  feeling  did  our  Lord 
contemplate  the  coming  doom  of  Chorazin 


and  Bethsaida?  (Matt.  23:37.)  Did  His 
pity  for  the  wicked  cities  make  Him  falter 
in  the  least  in  the  sternness  of  His  judg- 
ment? What  will  be  the  respective  stand- 
ing of  those  cities  in  the  day  of  judgment? 
Why?  (12:47;  Amos  3:2.)  What  will  be 
the  respective  standing  of  Sodom  and  our 
modern  cities?  What  is  the  Revised  Ver- 
sion of  v.  15?  Why  did  Capernaum  think 
she  should  be  exalted  to  heaven?  Do  priv- 
ileges necessarily  exalt?  Why  was  Caper- 
naum to  be  brought  down  to  Hades?  What 
one  act  settles  the  doom  of  nations  and  in- 
dividuals? Why  was  it  that  the  rejection 
of  Christ's  messengers  was  to  meet  with 
such  an  awful  doom?  How  closely  does 
Christ  identify  Himself  with  His  disciples? 
(Matt.  25:35-45;  Acts  9:4.)  Is  it  very 
serious  business  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  a 
messenger  of  Christ?  Is  it  a  serious  mat- 
ter to  criticise  or  slander  one?  Why  is  it 
the  world  hates  Christ's  faithful  messen- 
gers? (John  15:19-21.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord. 

His  deity,  2,  12,  14;  humanity,  despised 
and  rejected  of  men,  sent  by  the 
father,  16;  Lordship  over  the  harvest, 
2,  3,  15;  does  not  force  His  salva- 
tion on  any  one,  10,  11;  compassion, 
2;  grief  over  those  who  reject  Him, 
13;  relentless  judgment  upon  those 
who  reject  Him,  12,  14;  rejecting 
Him  the  decisive  proof  of  a  wicked 
heart,  the  damning  sin,  13,  15. 

2.     The  laborers  in  the  harvest. 

Greatly  needed,  to  be  sought  in  prayer, 
?;  appointed  by  Christ,  go  before 
His  face,  i ;  sent  forth  by  Him,  2,  3; 
represent  Him,  identified  with  Him, 
16;  should  go  as  lambs  among  wolves, 
3 ;  two  and  two,  i ;  should  travel 
light  and  trust,  waste  no  time,  4,  7; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


157 


should  seek  first  the  good  of  those 
to  whom  they  are  sent  and  not  their 
own,  5;  should  be  indifferent  to  per- 
sonal comfort,  3,  7,  8;  should  min- 
ister to  body  and  soul,  9;  should  tes- 
tify against  unbelief,  not  cast  pearls 
before  swine,  10,  11;  worthy  of  their 
hire,  7;  sure  to  get  their  hire,  4. 

Prayer. 

Should  precede  action,  2;  be  followed 
by  action,  3;  to  Christ,  for  workers, 
2;  never  lost,  5,  6. 

LESSON  71. 


The  cities  in  which  Jesus  worked  His 

mighty  works. 

Highly  privileged,  enjoyed  abundant 
opportunities  for  repentance,  refused 
the  merciful  call  of  God's  goodness, 
expected  to  be  exalted  to  heaven  be- 
cause of  their  great  privileges,  were 
cast  down  to  hell  because  of  their 
neglect  of  those  privileges,  13-15; 
greater  guilt  and  more  fearful  doom 
than  Sodom,  Tyre  and  Sidon,  12, 
14. 


The  Return  of  the  Seventy.    Luke  10:17-24;  Matthew  11:25-30.    (Compare 
Matthew  13:16,  17.) 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.  "Rejoice  that  your  names  are  written 
in  heaven,"  Luke  10:17-20. 

Had  the  seventy  gone  forth  with  con- 
fidence or  with  fear  and  trembling?  How 
did  they  return?  What  had  they  demon- 
strated (v.  17)  ?  Can  we  demonstrate  the 
power  of  Jesus'  name  today  in  a  similar 
manner?  What  were  "the  devils"  that 
were  subject  unto  them  in  the  name  of 
Jesus?  (See  A.  R.  V.)  Is  the  unseen 
world  of  evil  a  mighty  world?  (Eph.  6: 
12,  R.  V.)  Why  need  we  not  dread  it? 
What  is  mightier  than  the  power  of  Satan? 
In  the  demons  being  subject  unto  the  seven- 
ty through  the  power  of  His  name,  of 
what  did  our  Lord  see  a  prophecy  (v. 
18)?  Has  Satan  fallen  from  heaven  ye^^ 
(Eph.  6:11,  12,  R.  v.;  Rev.  12:7-9;  20:2.; 
What  will  be  the  manner  of  his  fall?  What 
is  meant  by  saying  that  his  fall  will  be  as 
"lightning"?  What  did  our  Lord  come  to 
do  in  relation  to  the  Devil?  (i  John  3:^; 
Heb.  2:14.)  Shall  we  also  have  power 
over  Satan?  (Ro.  16:20.)  How  do  we 
obtain  this  power?  (9:1-)  What  author- 
ity does  our  Lord  give  to  His  ambassadors 


(v.  19)  ?  How  secure  is  His  ambassador 
(v.  19)?  (Ps.  91:10,  13;  Mark  16:18; 
Acts  28:5;  Luke  21:17,  18;  Ro.  8:31-39; 
Heb.  13:5,  6.) 

Is  there  anything  even  better  yet  for  the 
disciple  (v.  20)  ?  With  what  feeling 
should  this  fill  our  hearts?  Did  the  seventy 
know  that  their  names  were  written  in 
heaven?  How?  May  we  know  it?  How? 
Would  it  be  possible  for  one  to  do  wonders 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  and  yet  not  have  his 
name  written  in  heaven?  (Matt.  7:22,  23; 
27:5;  I  Cor.  13:2,  3.)  Whose  names  are 
written  in  heaven?     (Heb.  12:23.) 

2.  To  whom  God  reveals  the  truth,  Luke 
10:21-22;  Matt.  11:25-27. 

In  what  state   of  mind   do  we   see  our 

Lord  in   v.  21?     Who   was   the   source  of 

)       His   joy?      (See   R.   V.;    Gal.    5:22.)      To 


what  beside  rejoicing  did  the  Holy  Spirit 
lead  Him?  Does  the  Holy  Spirit  always 
lead  those  whom  He  fills  into  thanksgiving 
and  praise?  (Eph.  5:18-20.)  To  whom 
did  our  Lord  return  thanks?  What  did 
He  call  the  Father?  What  is  meant  by  this 
expression?  From  whom  does  God  hide 
His  truth?    Can  a  man  who  is  full  of  his 


i 


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own  wisdom  have  God's?  (Is.  5:21;  i  Cor. 
I  :i8-27.)  If  we  are  to  be  wise  with  a 
true  wisdom,  what  place  must  we  take? 
(i  Cor.  3:18-20.)  What  must  we  renounce? 
To  whom  does  God  reveal  His  truth? 
What  is  meant  by  "babes"?  Why  does 
God  reveal  His  truth  unto  babes  and  not 
unto  the  wise  and  prudent  (v.  21)  ?  (Matt. 
11:26.)  Is  that  reason  enough?  How 
much  authority  did  our  Lord  say  had  been 
delivered  unto  Him  by  the  Father  (v.  22)  ? 
Is  that  statement  to  be  taken  in  the  broad- 
est and  most  absolute  sense?  (Matt.  28: 
18;  John  3:35;  ^3-3;  17:2;  Eph.  1:20-23; 
Phil.  2:10,  11;  Heb.  2:8-10;  Acts  10:36.) 
Has  God  actually  committed  the  whole 
universe,  terrestrial  as  well  as  celestial,  into 
the  hands  of  Jesus  Christ?  What  kind  of 
a  Saviour  then  have  we?  How  wise  a 
Saviour  is  He?  How  thoroughly  does  He 
know  God?  Who  alone  beside  our  Lord 
can  thoroughly  know  God?  How  alone 
can  He  be  known?  Outside  of  the  revela- 
tion which  Jesus  Christ  makes  of  the 
Father,  what  is  God?  Why  does  God  not 
need  to  remain  to  us  the  unknowable  (v. 
22)?  (i  John  5:20.)  To  whom  does  the 
Son  reveal  the  Father? 

3.  "Blessed  are  the  eyes  that  see  the 
things  zvhich  ye  see"  Luke  10:23,  24. 

What  did  our  Lord  say  to  His  disciples 
privately  (vv.  23,  24)?  (Matt.  13:16,  I7-) 
What  were  the  things  which  their  eyes  had 
seen  to  which  He  referred?  Above  whom 
had  He  exalted  His  disciples  (v.  24)  ? 
Have  we  as  exalted  a  position  as  the 
prophets  of  old  had?  Do  we  know  things 
which  they  did  not  know?  (i  Peter  1:10- 
12.)     What  things? 

4.  Hozv  to  find  rest.  Ma  ft.   11:28-30. 
What    wonderful    invitation    is    in    these 

verses?     Who    is    it   gives    the   invitation? 
Whom   does   He   invite?     What   is  meant 


by  "all  that  labor"?  By  "all  that  are 
heavy  laden"?  What  does  our  Lord  prom- 
ise to  those  who  accept  His  invitation? 
What  is  the  great  need  of  the  human 
heart  today?  Who  alone  gives  rest?  Upon 
what  condition?  To  how  many  of  those 
who  come  to  Him  will  He  give  rest? 
How  does  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ  come 
out  in  this  invitation?  If  He  were  not 
divine,  what  would  such  an  invitation 
prove  Him  to  be?  What  does  He  bid 
us  do  in  V.  29?  What  is  meant  by  this? 
(See  also  John  14:21-23;  15:10-14.)  Does 
He  bid  us  do  anything  beside  take  His 
yoke  upon  us?  Why?  If  we  do  this  what 
shall  we  find?  What  kind  of  rest  do  men 
need  most  of  all?  What  does  He  say  of 
His  yoke  (v.  30)  ?  Is  His  yoke  really 
easy?  Is  His  burden  really  light?  (l 
John  5:3;  Prov.  3:17.)  In  what  three 
striking  ways  does  the  deity  of  Christ 
come  out  in  this  lesson? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     The  Father. 

His  sovereignty,  does  ?s  is  well-pleas- 
ing in  His  own  sight,  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  hides  His  truth  from  the 
wise  and  understanding,  reveals  it 
unto  babes,  21 ;  delivers  all  things 
unto  the  Son,  knows,  is  known  by 
Him,  22. 

2.    Jesus  Christ. 

His  deity,  17,  19,  22,  28;  subordination 
to  the  Father,  21,  22;  the  power  of 
His  name,  17;  His  omnipotence,  19; 
supreme  authority  over  heaven  and 
earth,  knowledge  of  the  Father,  22; 
joy  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  faithfulness 
to  the  Father,  21;  revealer  of  the 
Father,  22;  the  giver  of  rest,  28,  29; 
the  character  of  His  service— His 
yoke  easy  and  His  burden  light,  30. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


159 


S.     The  Holy  Spirit. 

The  author  of  joy,  the  inspirer  of 
thanksgiving  and  praise,  21. 

4.  Satan. 

His  exalted  dignity,  doom,  18;  subjec- 
tion to  the  name  of  Jesus,  impotence 
against  those  who  work  in  Jesus' 
name,  17,  19. 

5.  Christ's  disciples. 

Their  names  written  in  heaven,  20; 
have  authority  to  tread  upon  serpents 
and  scorpions,  and  over  all  the  power 
of  the  enemy,  nothing  shall  in  any 
wise  hurt  them,  19;  even  the  demons 


subject  to  them  through  the  name  of 
Christ,  17;  Jesus  Christ  reveals  the 
Father  to  them,  22;  the  Father  re- 
veals His  truth  to  them,  21 ;  exalted 
and  privileged  above  prophets  and 
kings,  24;  have  rest  unto  their  souls, 
28,  29 ;  have  an  easy  yoke  and  a  light 
burden,  30. 
6.     Rest. 

Who  offers  it — Jesus,  28;  to  whom — 
those  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden, 
28;  how  it  is  found — by  coming  unto 
Jesus,  taking  His  yoke  and  learning 
of  Him,  28-30. 


LESSON  72. 
The  Good  Samaritan.    Luke  10:25-37. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

7.     The  inquiring  lawyer,  vv.  25-2^. 

What  was  the  question  that  led  to  the 
parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan?  Who  put 
it?  What  is  meant  by  "lawyer"?  What 
was  his  purpose  in  the  question?  Did  he 
have  any  real  sense  of  his  need  of  eternal 
life?  What  did  the  question  imply  as  to 
how  eternal  life  was  to  be  obtained?  What 
was  the  purpose  in  Christ's  reply?  Is 
eternal  life  to  be  obtained  by  doing?  (Ro. 
6:23.)  How  is  it  obtained?  (John  3:36, 
etc.)  To  what  does  our  Lord  direct  the 
lawyer  for  an  answer  (v.  26)?  Why? 
Why  did  not  our  Lord  tell  him  to  believe? 
What  is  the  purpose  of  the  law?  (Ro.  3: 
19,  20.)  What  was  the  lawyer's  summary 
of  the  law  (v.  27)  ?  Had  he  read  the  law 
rightly?  (Matt.  22:37,  38.)  Where  then 
was  the  trouble  with  him?  How  does  our 
Lord  point  out  to  the  lawyer  where  the 
real  difficulty  lay?  Wherein  was  he  right? 
Wherein  was  he  wrong?  Does  it  ever 
happen  nowadays  that  men's  views  and  an- 
swers are  right  and  their  practice  wrong? 
What  did  our  Lord  say  the  lawyer  would 


obtain  by  keeping  this  law  of  love?  How 
perfect  would  the  keeping  have  to  be  to 
thus  obtain  eternal  life?  (Gal.  3:10.)  Has 
any  one  ever  obtained  eternal  life  that 
way?  (Gal.  2:16.)  Why  not?  (Ro.  3: 
22,.)  When  sin  has  once  entered  can  there 
be  justification  by  law?  (Ro.  3:19,  20.) 
How  must  justification  be  when  once  sin 
has  entered?  (Ro.  3:23,  24.)  What  then 
was  the  real  object  of  Christ's  words? 

Did  His  answer  sting  the  conscience  of 
the  lawyer  at  all  (v.  29)  ?  What  did  he 
try  to  do?  Do  men  often  attempt  that  to- 
day? Is  it  a  good  thing  to  try  to  justify 
ourselves  before  God?  (Job  32:2.)  Can  we 
do  it?  (16:15;  18:9-14.)  What  part  of 
the  law  did  the  lawyer  fancy  he  had  kept? 
Had  he? 

In  what  way  did  he  seek  to  avoid  the 
keen  edge  of  Christ's  reply?  What  did  the 
question  mean  in  this  connection?  Will 
one  who  really  has  the  love  of  God  in  his 
heart  ask:  "Whom  must  I  love"?  What 
sort  of  people  is  it  who  are  always  asking: 
"Must  I  do  this,  and  must  I  do  that"? 
Was  there  any  answer  in  the  law  itself  to 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND    TEACHINGS   OF  OUR  LORD 


the  lawyer's  question?  (Lev.  19:34;  Ex. 
23:5.)  How  did  our  Lord  answer  the 
lawyer's  question?  What  is  the  point  of 
the  answer? 

2.  Our  Lord's  answer  to  the  question : 
"Who  is  my  neighbor?"  vv.  30-sy. 

What  is  the  picture  of  the  man  who  was 
in  trouble  (v.  30)  ?  Where  did  it  all  hap- 
pen? Was  this  a  likely  place  for  such  a 
thing  to  happen?  Are  there  any  Jericho 
roads   nowadays?     Who   is   our  neighbor? 

Who  was  the  first  man  who  came  along 
(v.  31)  ?  How  did  he  happen  to  come 
down  that  way?  What  did  he  do?  Was 
that  very  wrong?  Do  men  ever  see  sor- 
row and  need  and  pass  by  on  the  other 
side  nowadays?  What  excuse  had  he  for 
his  action? 

Who  next  came  along  (v.  32)  ?  How 
did  he  act?  What  excuse  had  he?  Was 
it  sufficient? 

Who  acted  the  part  of  a  neighbor  (v. 
33)  ?  Why  did  our  Lord  choose  a  Samar- 
itan as  the  illustration  of  the  true  neigh- 
bor? (17:16-18;  John  4:9;  8:48.)  Would 
he  have  as  good  an  excuse  as  the  priest 
and  Levite  for  passing  by?  What  did  he 
do?  How  did  he  show  his  compassion 
was  genuine  (vv.  34,  35)  ?  How  much  did 
it  cost  him  to  act  this  way?  How  are  we 
(according  to  this  parable)  to  treat  need 
and  suffering?  Did  the  Samaritan  leave 
his  work  half  done?  Does  real  compassion 
ever  leave  its  work  incomplete? 

According  to  this  parable  what  is  love? 
Who  are  the  proper  objects  of  the  work- 
ings of  this  love?  Is  anything  lost  by  it? 
(Prov.  19  :i7 ;  i  John  3  :22 ;  4 :7.)  Who  most 
fully  realizes  this  picture  of  the  good  Sa- 
maritan? What  are  the  points  of  similar- 
itv  between  a  sinner  and  the  man  among 
thieves?  Between  our  Lord  and  the  good 
Samaritan?  By  what  question  does  our 
Lord  point  His  parable  and  drive  it  home? 


Did  the  lawyer  see  the  point  (v.  yi^  ? 
Does  he  answer  it  fairly  and  squarely? 
How  does  he  reveal  his  prejudice?  What 
is  Christ's  final  thrust  at  the  lawyer's  con- 
science? In  what  condition  did  the  inter- 
view leave  the  lawyer?  Who  was  :t  that 
had  really  been  put  to  the  test?  And  what 
was  the  result  of  the  testing? 

CLASSIFICATION     OF     TEACHINGS. 

J.     Jesus. 

His  divine  wisdom,  26-37;  His  divine 
love,  33-35- 

2.  Man. 

Ever  fancies  he  can  gain  eternal  life 
by  his  works,  25;  can  know  the  law 
but  can't  keep  it,  27,  28;  seeks  to 
keep  the  law  by  lowering  its  require- 
ments, justifies  himself  rather  than 
God,  29;  doomed  to  confusion,  37. 

3.  The  Law. 

Its    sum — love,   27,   28; 

Its  demand — not  knowledge,  but  obedi- 
ence (perfect  knowledge  of  it  will 
not  bring  eternal  life;  perfect  obedi- 
ence to  it  would,  but  cannot  be  ren- 
dered), 28,  29-37; 

Its  purpose — "conviction,"  28,  29. 

4.  Love. 

Its  object — God,  and  all  mankind,   27- 

35; 
Its    manifestation — prompt    o-impassion, 

2,3;     untiring    service,     uncalculating 

self-sacrifice,  34,  35 ; 
Its  limit — neither  race,  nor  creed,  nor 

social   standing,  but  humanity,  33; 
More    acceptable    to    God    than    loftier 

religious  profession  and  activity,   36, 

5.  Man. 

Our  duty — love,  27,  28; 

Our  neighbor — the  man  who  needs  us, 

30; 
Our   folly — self-justification,   29 . 


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161 


LESSON  73. 
Our  Lord  and  Martha  and  Mary. 


Luke  10:38-42. 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 

J.  Martha  occupied  for  Jesus,  Mary  oc- 
cupied with  Jesus,  vv.  38,  39. 

What  is  the  certain  village  mentioned  in 
V.  38?  (John  II  :i.)  In  whose  house? 
What  other  scenes  in  our  Lord's  life  oc- 
curred in  that  house?  (John  11;  12:2; 
Matt.  21  -.17.)  How  did  He  come  to  be  in 
that  home?  Did  it  pay  Martha  to  have 
Him  in  her  home?  (John  11.)  Can  we 
have  Him  in  our  homes?  (Rev.  3:20.) 
Will  it  pay?  Why  is  it  that  men  do  not 
have  Him  in  their  homes?  (Luke  2:7.) 
What  was  it  very  likely  that  made  Martha 
ready  to  receive  our  Lord  into  her  home? 
(Matt.  26:6.)  Who  else  was  at  the  home? 
What  did  Mary  do?  Is  that  a  good  place 
to  be?  Did  Mary  ever  get  down  at  our 
Lord's  feet  again?  (John  11:32;  12:3.) 
For  what  purpose  was  she  at  His  feet  in 
this  lesson?  Is  that  a  good  place  to  learn? 
(Compare  Acts  22:3.)  For  what  purpose 
was  she  at  our  Lord's  feet  in  John  11:32? 
Do  you  suppose  she  would  have  been  at 
His  feet  for  help  at  such  a  time  if  she 
had  not  first  been  at  His  feet  for  teaching? 
For  what  purpose  was  she  at  His  feet  in 
John  12:3? 

As  she  sat  at  His  feet  what  privilege  did 
she  enjoy?  Did  Martha  hear  His  word? 
Why  not?  Does  it  ever  occur  today  that 
men  and  women  are  so  taken  up  with 
working  and  worrying  for  our  Lord  that 
they  miss  the  privilege  of  hearing  His 
words?  Is  that  wise?  (Mark  4:19.") 
With  how  many  things  was  Mary  occu- 
pied? With  how  many  things  was  Martha 
occupied  (v.  41)  ?  What  was  the  result  (v. 
40")  ?  What  is  the  exact  meaning  of  the 
word   translated    "cumbered"?      (See   mar- 


gin Revised  Version.)  From  what  was  she 
"distracted"?  By  what?  Whom  was  she 
serving?  Are  men  nowadays  ever  distract- 
ed from  the  Lord  Himself  by  their  "much 
serving"  of  the  Lord?  Would  He  rather 
we  should  be  occupied  with  our  service  of 
Him  or  with  Himself?  What  prompted 
this  much  serving?  Does  our  love  ever 
become  alloyed  with  selfish  pride  in  our 
service  of  the  Lord?  Was  there  any  need 
at  this  time  of  this  much  serving?  Is  the 
much  serving  which  we  oftentimes  allow 
to  crowd  out  communion  with  our  Lord 
Himself  generally  needed? 

Are  we  to  understand  that  Mary  never 
served?  Was  she  serving  Him  now? 
Which  of  the  two  was  really  ministering 
the  more  to  our  Lord's  enjoyment  in  that 
home?  Which  serves  our  Lord  better,  he 
who  works  most  for  Him  or  he  who  re- 
ceives most  from  Him?     (John  6:28,  29.) 

2.  Martha  sharply  rebuking  Mary  and 
Jesus,  V.  40. 

What  at  last  was  the  effect  upon  Martha 
of  her  much  serving?  Toward  whom  did 
she  display  her  irritation?  Are  we  ever 
tempted  to  get  cross  with  our  Lord  in  our 
much  serving?  What  does  that  show?  Did 
He  care  that  Mary  had  left  Martha  to 
serve  alone?  Was  it  Mary's  fault  that 
Martha  was  serving  so  much?  Was  it  our 
Lord's  fault?  Whose  fault  was  it?  What 
did  Martha  think  Mary  was?  How  did 
she  reveal  her  own  selfishness?  Had  it 
ever  occurred  to  her  that  she  was  selfish? 
Is  that  form  of  selfishness  that  bustles 
around  in  many  kind  activities  and  then 
talks  about  how  much  it  has  done  and 
how  little  others  are  doing,  at  all  common 
today?  What  did  Martha  request  our  Lord 
to  do?     What  was  the  manner  of  the  re- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


quest?  Was  she  most  concerned  with  the 
comfort  and  pleasure  of  her  guest  or  with 
her  own  comfort? 

S.  Our  Lord  gently  rebuking  Martha,  w. 
41,  42. 

Did  He  bid  Mary  help  Martha?  Are  we 
to  infer  that  He  wishes  His  disciples  to  be 
always  sitting  at  His  feet  and  never  min- 
istering for  Him?  (John  20:17.)  What 
did  He  say  to  Martha?  Is  there  any  great 
harm  in  being  anxious  about  many  things? 
(Luke  8:14;  21:34.)  About  what  sort  of 
things  was  Martha  "anxious  and  troubled"? 
About  what  ought  we  to  be  anxious? 
(Phil.  4:6,  R.  V.)  Did  our  Lord  re- 
buke Martha  for  serving?  Not  till  when 
did  He  rebuke  her?  After  rebuking  her 
anxiety  about  many  things  what  did  He 
say?  What  is  the  one  thing  needful? 
(John  17:3;  Luke  18:22;  Ps.  27:4;  73:25; 
Mark  8:36;  i  Cor.  13:3;  Gal.  5:6;  i  John 
5:tt.  12.)  Who  had  chosen  the  one  need- 
ful thing?  How  was  her  wise  choice  to  be 
rewarded?  Did  any  one  wish  to  take  that 
good  away  from  her?  Can  that  good  part 
be  taken  away  from  any  one  who  makes 
choice  of  it?  (John  10:28.  29;  Ro  8:3?.  39; 
I  Peter  1:4,  5;  John  4:14;  5:24.)  If  one 
chooses  worldly  goods  can  that  be  taken 
away?     (Luke  12:20.  Z?<\  16:2.  25.) 

Were  Martha  and  Marv  both  disciples? 
Were  they  both  loved  by  the  Lord?  (John 
11:5.)  What  two  types  of  discioleship  do 
they  represent?  Does  the  true  disciple  dis- 
play the  active  type  of  discipleship  or  the 
meditative?  In  whom  do  we  find  the  most 
perfect  combination  of  the  two?  (Acts 
10:38;  Mark  1:35;  John  4:33,  34.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

Entered  the  home  Martha  opened,  38; 
spoke  the  word  into  the  heart  Mary 
opened,  39;  did  not  rebuke  Martha 
for  serving,  40-42 ;  did  rebuke  Martha 


for  worrying  over  her  service,  for 
her  fault  finding,  for  her  worldly- 
mindedness,  for  serving  when  she 
should  be  listening,  39-42;  praised 
Mary  for  her  choice  of  the  one  thing 
needful,  protected  her  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  her  wise  choice,  42;  desires 
that  we  be  occupied  with  Himself 
rather  than  with  our  service  for  Him, 
is  more  acceptably  served  by  the  one 
who  receives  the  most  from  Him 
than  by  the  one  who  works  the  most 
for  Him,  39-42. 
2.    Martha. 

Opened  her  door  for  our  Lord  Jesus  to 
enter,  38;  allowed  her  heart  to  be 
closed  by  earthly  cares  against  the 
entrance  of  His  work,  39;  worked 
hard  for  the  Lord  she  really  loved, 
was  made  cross  by  her  much  service, 
distracted  from  the  Lord  Himself  by 
her  much  service  for  Him,  her  loving 
service  greatly  alloyed  with  pride, 
sharply  rebuked  Mary,  sharply  re- 
buked the  Lord,  wished  Him  to  note 
how  much  she  was  doing  and  how 
little  Mary  was  doing,  endeavored 
to  instruct  Him  as  to  what  He  should 
do,  40;  anxious  and  troubled  about 
many  things,  but  forgetful  of  the  one 
thing,  41,  42:  remembered  the  crav- 
ings of  her  Lord's  hunger,  but  for- 
got the  cravings  of  His  love,  so  busy 
with  earthly  cares  she  had  no  time 
for  the  Saviour's  words,  so  busy  with 
working  for  Him  she  had  no 
time  to  listen  to  Him,  imagined  the 
Lord  would  be  better  pleased  with  a 
good  dinner  than  with  a  good  learn- 
er, 39,  40;  servd  at  the  wronsr  time — 
when  she  should  have  been  listening, 
39-42;  served  in  the  wrong  way — 
with  worry,  41 ;  self-consciousness, 
irritation,  fault-finding,   without  con- 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


163 


sideration  of  whom  she  served,  with 
needless  effort,  40;  was  gently  re- 
buked by  the  Lord,  41,  42. 

Mary. 

Sat  at  the  Lord's  feet,  heard  His  word, 


was  occupied  by  naught  but  the  Lord 
Himself,  had  rest  while  Martha  had 
worry,  had  praise  while  Martha  had 
reproof,  chose  the  good  part,  the  good 
part  eternally  secured  to  her,  39-42. 


LESSON  74. 
The  Healing  of  the  Man  Born  Blind. 


John  9:1-41. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.    Receiving  sight,  vv.   1-7. 

What  was  the  condition  of  the  man  who 
is  the  subject  of  this  chapter?  Was  there 
any  hope  for  him?  Of  whom  is  he  the 
type?  What  fact  is  mentioned  in  the  first 
verse  that  opens  a  door  of  hope  for  this 
otherwise  hopeless  case?  What  was  our 
Lord's  feeling  as  He  saw  the  blind  man? 
The  feeling  of  the  disciples?  Is  there  any 
connection  between  sin  and  suffering? 
(John  5:14;  Mark  2:5.)  Is  there  any 
other  purpose  in  sickness  than  that  of  the 
chastisement  for  sin?     (v.  3;  2  Cor.  12:7.) 

Did  our  Lord  mean  to  teach  that  neither 
this  man  nor  his  parents  had  ever  sinned? 
(i  John  1:8,  10.)  What  did  He  mean  to 
teach?  What  was  the  purpose  of  this  man's 
long  protracted  affliction  (v.  3)  ?  For  what 
do  our  infirmities  and  distresses  afford  an 
opportunity?  (2  Cor.  12:9.)  Ought  we 
then  to  regret  these?  (2  Cor.  12:10.)  When 
do  they  bring  glory  to  God?  Why  is  it  that 
"the  works  of  God"  are  not  more  frequently 
"manifested  in"  us  in  our  infirmities  of 
soul  and  body?     (Mark  6:5,  6.) 

What  did  our  Lord  tell  His  disciples  was 
His  and  their  business  in  view  of  man's 
needs  (v.  4,  R.  V.)  ?  By  what  word  did 
He  emphasize  the  imperative  nature  of  that 
business?  What  fact  did  He  mention  that 
made  it  important  that  He  and  they  be 
about  this  business  at  once  and  always? 
Does  that  reason  hold  for  us  today?     Com- 


paring the  2nd  verse  and  the  4th,  what  do 
we  find  to  be  more  important  in  our  Lord's 
estimation  than  speculating  about  the  origin 
of  evil?  When  is  the  world's  darkest  night 
(v.  S)  ?  When  is  the  darkest  night  for  the 
individual  soul? 

Having  briefly  rebuked  the  heartless  theo- 
logizing and  lack  of  active  sympathy  of  the 
disciples,  what  did  our  Lord  proceed  to  do 
at  once?  Had  this  man  sought  the  Sav- 
iour's help?  Why  then  did  He  give  it? 
Does  He  wait  for  us  to  ask  Him  to  bless 
us  before  He  blesses?  Ought  we  as  His 
followers  to  wait  for  the  miserable  to  come 
to  us  and  seek  help?  What  was  the  pur- 
pose  of  the  command :  "Go,  virash  in  the 
pool  of  Siloam"?  (2  Kings  5:10,  14;  Mark 
3:5;  Luke  17:14.)  What  does  "Siloam" 
mean?  Of  whom  was  it  then  a  tA'pe? 
(John  10:36;  Ro.  8:3;  Gal.  4:4.)  Where 
then  must  we  go  and  bathe  if  we  wish  sight 
for  our  blinded  eyes?     (John  8:12.) 

Did  the  blind  man  have  faith?  How  did 
he  show  it?  What  is  the  true  way  of 
showing  it?  The  result?  Why  is  it  some 
of  us  don't  "come  seeing"? 

2.     Witnessing,  vv.  8-12. 

What  did  the  cure  of  the  blind  man  oc- 
casion? What  will  Christ's  work  in  a  man 
always  occasion  among  those  who  behold 
it?  Was  there  agreement  among  the  be- 
holders? Why  not?  When  Christ  per- 
forms a  work  today  is  there  perfect  agree- 
ment among  those   who   behold  it?     Why 


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not?  What  did  all  this  talk  and  disagree- 
ment afford  the  man  an  opportunity  to  do? 
How  did  he  show  his  manliness?  Did  he 
gain  anything  by  his  testimony  (vv.  34, 
35-38)?  What  question  was  put  to  him? 
Did  he  avoid  it?  How  did  he  speak  of  our 
Lord?  Later  in  the  day  what  did  he  call 
Him  (v.  17)  ?  Still  later  as  what  did  he 
recognize  Him  (v.  38)  ?  How  do  you  ac- 
count for  this  rapid  growth  of  faith?  What 
desire  did  the  man's  testimony  awaken  in 
the  hearts  of  those  who  heard  (v.  12)  ? 

3.    Suffering,  vv.  13-34- 

What  was  the  next  thing  done  to  the 
man?  What  was  the  object  in  bringing  him 
to  the  Pharisees?  (v.  22;  11:46,  47,  57; 
12:42.)  What  question  was  put  to  him 
there?  Did  he  dodge  it  even  there?  What 
was  the  effect  of  his  testimony  upon  the 
Pharisees  (v.  16)  ?  Was  the  man  at  all 
daunted  by  the  opposition  his  testimony  had 
created?  What  was  his  opinion  of  his  great 
Friend?  Could  the  Jews  account  for  the 
facts  by  their  theories?  Can  sceptics  ac- 
count for  the  facts  today  by  their  theories? 
What  did  the  Jews  attempt  to  do 
as  they  could  not  reconcile  the  facts  with 
their  theories  (v.  18)  ?  What  do  sceptics  to- 
day try  to  do  with  facts  they  cannot  ex- 
plain? Did  they  have  much  success  in  deny- 
ing the  facts? 

What  was  the  testimony  of  the  parents? 
Was  it  a  willing  testimony?  What  kept 
the  parents  back  from  a  full  and  glad  avow- 
al of  their  faith  that  our  Lord  had  healed 
their  son?  What  did  they  gain  by  their 
cowardice?  Was  it  of  much  consequence  to 
be  cast  out  of  the  synagogue?  What  did 
the  parents  lose?  (vv.  35,  38;  Matt.  10:32, 
33-) 

What  did  the  Pharisees  tell  the  man  to 
do  (v.  24,  R.  V.)  ?  Could  he  give  glory  to 
God  without  giving  glory  to  Jesus?  (John 
5:23.)      What   did   the   Pharisees   say   they 


knew?  What  did  the  man  say  he  knew? 
Which  had  the  best  of  it  so  far?  Why  has 
the  man  whom  our  Lord  has  saved  and 
who  knows  He  has  saved  him  always  the 
best  of  the  infidel  even  though  he  is  not 
nearly  so  good  a  reasoner? 

What  does  the  man  next  proceed  to  do 
(vv.  26,  27)  ?  What  did  the  Pharisees  in 
their  response  claim  to  be?  Were  they 
really  Moses'  disciples?  (John  5:46.) 
Whose  disciples  were  they?  (John  8:38, 
44.)  Did  the  man  give  up  his  faith  in  our 
Lord  because  the  leaders  refused  to  endorse 
Him?  What  did  he  do  (v.  30)?  Accord- 
ing to  their  own  Bible  and  their  traditions 
what  did  the  fact  that  He  opened  blind 
eyes  prove  Jesus  to  be?  (Is.  29:18,  19; 
35:1,  5;  Matt.  11:5.)  What  proof  did  the 
man  bring  forth  that  Jesus  was  not  a  sin- 
ner as  they  asserted  (v.  31)  ?  What  did  he 
say  were  the  conditions  of  answered  prayer? 
Was  that  true  doctrine?     (i  John  3:21,  22.) 

What  further  argument  did  he  bring  up  to 
show  his  extraordinary  character  of  Jesus 
and  that  He  was  from  God?  Could  the 
Pharisees  answer  him?  What  two  things 
did  they  then  do?  What  did  they  sneer  at? 
Was  the  idea  of  his  teaching  them  to  be 
sneered  at?  Is  it  ever  wise  to  sneer  at  any 
one,  no  matter  how  lowly,  who  wishes  to 
teach  us?  By  being  loyal  to  Christ  what 
treatment  did  he  get  from  men?  What 
treatment  will  the  one  who  is  loyal  to 
Christ  always  receive  from  men?  (2  Tim. 
3:12;  John  15:19,  20.)  Do  we  lose  anything 
by  that?     (2  Tim.  2:12.) 

4.  Receiving  Jesus  Himself,  and  zvor- 
shiping,   vv.   35-41. 

When  men  cast  him  out  who  sought  him 
out?  If  men  throw  us  off  for  our  loyalty 
to  our  Lord,  who  will  always  take  us  up? 
What  question  did  He  put  to  the  man  ?  Was 
that  important?  (John  20:31;  3:2,^.)  What 
was  its  purpose?    With  what  spirit  did  the 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF   OUR    LORD 


165 


man  receive  it?  What  was  all  he  asked  as 
a  condition  of  believing  on  "the  Son  of 
God"?  Is  it  difficult  to  show^  one  who  is 
really  willing  to  believe?  Whom  did  He 
show  him?  What  had  our  Lord  first 
opened  the  man's  eyes  to  see?  What  did 
He  now  open  his  eyes  to  see?  Which  was 
the  better  vision?  What  did  the  man  do 
when  he  got  that  vision?  Did  he  do  right? 
(Heb.  i:6.)  What  will  we  do  if  we  get  a 
real  view  of  Jesus  ?  Who  must  give  us  that 
view?  (i  John  5:20.)  To  whom  will  He 
thus  manifest  Himself?     (John  14:21.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

(i)     What  He  was: 
Divine,   35,   38;    human,    11;    the    light 
of  the  world,  5. 

(2)  What  He  did: 

Saw  the  needy,  i ;  had  compassion  on 
the  needy  where  others  saw  only 
judgment  for  sin,  2,  4.  6;  felt  the  one 
duty  of  life  was  to  work  the  works  of 
God,  felt  that  the  time  was  short 
and  that  each  opportunity  must  be 
improved  without  delay,  4;  did  not 
wait  for  His  help  to  be  asked,  6;  re- 
quired the  obedience  of  faith,  7;  gave 
sight  to  one  hopelessly  blind,  i,  7; 
sought  out  the  one  men  cast  out  for 
His  sake,  drew  the  castaway  closer  to 
Himself,  revealed  Himself  more  clear- 
ly to  the  man  after  he  was  cast  out 
by  men,  35,  Z7- 

(3)  How  He  was  treated: 

Hated  by  the  Pharisees,  15,  34;  ma- 
ligned by  the  Pharisees,  24;  disowned 
by  those  He  had  benefited,  20,  22; 
believed  in  by  the  man  to  whom  He 
had  given  sight,  confessed  by  him,  38 ; 
worshiped   by  him,  38. 


2.  The  man  who  received  sight. 
(i)  His  original  condition: 
Never  had  seen,  i ;  beyond  help,  hope- 
less, I,  32;  without  human  sympathy, 
suspected  and  despised,  2,  34;  a  beg- 
gar, 8;  his  need  only  an  opportunity 
for  God's  grace,  3. 

(2)  What  happened  to  him: 

Our  Lord  saw  him,  i ;  came  to  help 
him;  pointed  out  the  simple  way  of 
healing,  6,  7. 

(3)  What  he  did: 

Put  faith  in  Jesus,  asked  no  questions, 
did  as  he  was  told,  7. 

(4)  What   he   got: 
Sight,  7. 

(5)  What   he   did  after  our   Lord   had 

blessed  him: 
Frankly  confessed  his  previous  wretch- 
ed condition,  8,  9;  testified  of  his  sal- 
vation and  for  his  Saviour,  10,  11; 
to  the  curious  and  doubtmg,  8,  10; 
to  the  enemies  of  our  Lord,  15;  fear- 
lessly, 15,  Z2,\  fully,  to  the  exact  facts, 
II;  briefly,  pointedly,  11,  15;  re- 
mained loyal  to  our  Lord  in  face  of 
bitter  opposition,  15,  17;  stood  firmly 
in  face  of  all  man's  sophistry  by  the 
one  fact  of  experience,  25;  rebuked 
the  powerful  enemies  of  our  Lord 
and    exposed   their   insincerity,    27. 

(6)  What  he  suffered : 

Brought  before  the  enemies  of  our 
Lord,  13;  reviled,  34,  28;  cast  out, 
34- 

(7)  His  compensation: 

Sought  out  by  the  Saviour,  35;  re- 
ceived a  fuller  revelation  of  Him, 
spiritual  sight,  35,  38. 

(8)  His  steps  to  spiritual  vision: 
Ready  and  eager  to  believe  in  the  Son 

of  God  if  He  should  be  revealed,  36; 
saw,  Z7\  believed,  worshiped,  38. 


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(9)  His  theology: 

"Whereas  I  was  blind  now  I  see,"  25; 
Jesus  "opened  my  eyes,"  30;  "God 
heareth  not  sinners,"  31 ;  God  hears 
any  man  who  worships  Him  and  does 
His  will,  31. 

(10)  Progressive  conception  of  Jesus: 
A  man,  11 ;  a  prophet,  17;  a  sinless  One, 

31,  32;  a  messenger  from  God,  S3'> 
the  Son  of  God,  35,  38. 

The  Pharisees. 

Heard  the  facts  that  should  have  led  to 
faith  in  Jesus  as  the  Messiah,  13,  15, 
19,  21 ;  tried  to  obscure  the  signifi- 
cance of  the  facts  by  theological  so- 


phistries, 16;  tried  hard  to  disprove 
the  facts,  18,  26;  wilfully  shut  their 
eyes  to  the  significance  of  the  facts 
they  could  not  disprove,  slandered  the 
Son  of  God  whom  they  would  not 
receive,  24 ;  claimed  to  be  Moses'  dis- 
ciples, while  rejecting  Him  of  whom 
Moses  wrote,  28;  haughtily  rejected 
the  teaching  they  sorely  needed,  re- 
viled and  cast  out  the  loyal  witness 
for  Christ,  resorted  to  vituperation 
and  persecution  when  argument 
failed,  34;  wilfully  blind,  41;  con- 
demned to  perpetual  blindness,  39; 
without  excuse,  41. 


LESSON  75. 
Jesus  The  Good  Shepherd.    John  10:1-21. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.    Shepherds  and  robbers,  vv.  1-6. 

What  is  the  exact  translation  of  v.  2? 
(See  R.  V.  margin.)  What  thin  is  the  con- 
trast of  the  opening  verses?  What  is  the 
chief  difference  between  a  thief  and  robber 
and  a  shepherd  which  these  verses  empha- 
size? What  is  the  door  by  which  one  can 
properly  get  admission  to  the  sheep  (v.  7)  ? 
If  one  then  tries  to  get  access  to  the  sheep 
except  by  Jesus  Christ  what  is  he?  What 
is  the  fold  spoken  of  in  v.  i  (v.  16)  ?  If 
one  enters  to  the  sheep  by  Jesus  Christ  what 
is  he  (v.  2)  ?  If  we  then  wish  to  be  shep- 
herds and  not  thieves  or  robbers,  through 
whom  must  we  approach  the  sheep?  Were 
there  any  in  Christ's  day  who  claimed  to 
be  shepherds  who  were  really  thieves  and 
robbers?  (See  c.  9.)  Were  there  any  such 
in  the  years  of  Jewish  history  which  pre- 
ceded Christ's  coming?  (Is.  56:10,  12; 
Ezek.  34:2,  5.)  Were  there  any  in  the 
years  that  immediately  followed  Christ's 
earthly   ministry?      (Acts    20:29,    30;    Ro. 


16:18;  Titus  i:ii;  2  Peter  2:3,  14.)  Are 
there  any  such  today?  Who  can  always 
recognize    the    difference    between    a    true 

shepherd  and  a  thief  ?  (vv.  3,  4,  26,  27.)  By 
what  does  the  true  sheep  recognize  the  true 
shepherd?  If  any  one  is  unable  to  dis- 
tinguish between  the  voice  of  the  true 
shepherd  and  the  voice  of  a  thief  and  a  rob- 
ber, what  does  it  prove  that  he  is  not? 

Having  got  access  to  the  sheep,  what  does 
the  shepherd  first  do?  What  does  this  re- 
veal? (Ex.  33:17;  2  Tim.  2:19.)  What 
does  the  shepherd  do  with  the  laggard 
sheep?  How?  In  whom  is  this  idea  of  a 
true  shepherd  fully  realized?  (John  13:14, 
15;  I  Peter  2:21.)  In  whom  ought  it  to 
be  realized?     (i  Peter  5:2,  3.) 

What  do  the  sheep  do?  What  shepherd 
will  the  sheep  follow  above  all  others? 
(vv.  II,  27.)  If  one  is  not  following  Him 
as  He  leads  the  way  what  does  it  prove? 
(Matt.  16:24;  John  12:26.)  Why  do  the 
sheep  follow  the  shepherd?  (8:47.)  If 
one  desires  to  get  the  power  to  recognize 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 


167 


the  voice  of  Jesus  from  every  other  voice 
what  must  he  become?  What  will  one  of 
Christ's  sheep  not  do?  Why  not?  If  one 
runs  off  after  every  false  teacher  that 
comes  along  what  does  it  conclusively 
prove  that  he  is  not?  What  will  one  who  is 
really  a  sheep  do  when  "a  stranger"  calls? 

2.    The  Good  Shepherd,  vv.  7-21. 

How  did  our  Lord  characterize  those  who 
came  before  Him  seeking  to  get  the  sheep 
to  follow  them?  What  is  a  thief  and  rob- 
ber after?  What  is  a  shepherd  after  (v. 
11)?  Had  these  thieves  and  robbers  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  the  sheep  to  follow  them? 
Why  not? 

What  does  Jesus  call  Himself  in  v.  9? 
The  door  to  what?  (See  context,  also  John 
14:6;  Eph.  2:18;  Ro.  s:i,  2;  Heb.  10:19- 
22.)  To  whom  does  this  door  stand  open? 
What  is  the  consequence  of  entering  it? 
How  many  who  enter  shall  be  saved?  Do 
those  who  enter  get  anything  beside  salva- 
tion? What  is  the  expression  "shall  go  in 
and  out"  meant  to  teach?  What  does  the 
thief  come  for?  Of  whom  is  he  the  imitat- 
or? (8:44.)  What  did  Jesus  Christ  come 
for?  (John  3:17;  12:47;  Matt.  20:28;  Luke 
19:10;  I  Tim.  I  :is.)  How  much  life?  How 
abundantly  may  we  have  life?  (John  i  :i6; 
Col.  1:19;  2:9,  10;  Eph.  3:19.)  Do  all  who 
have  life  have  it  abundantly?  Might  they 
have  it  abundantly?  Why  don't  they?  In 
whom  does  the  picture  of  a  shepherd  which 
our  Lord  has  drawn  reach  its  perfect  ful- 
filment? What  therefore  does  He  call  Him- 
self? Who  is  the  good  shepherd  of  the 
Old  Testament?  (Ps.  23:1;  Is.  40:10.  11; 
Ez.  34:11-13.)  By  taking  the  title  to  Him- 
self then  whom  does  He  assume  to  be? 

What  is  the  crowning  proof  of  the  shep- 
herd's love  for  his  flock?  How  does  our 
Lord  prove  that  He  is  the  good  shepherd? 
Tf  we  wish  to  be  true  shepherds  what  must 
we  be  ready  to  do?    If  one  at  the  approach 


of  danger  leaves  the  sheep  and  flees  for  his 
own  safety  what  is  he?  Are  there  any  hire- 
lings nowadays?  (i  Peter  5:2;  2  Tim. 
4:10.)  Why  does  the  hireling  flee?  How 
intimate  is  the  mutual  understanding  be- 
tween our  Lord  and  His  sheep  (vv.  14,  15, 
R.  V.)  ?  To  what  thought  does  our  Lord 
come  back?  Why  is  that  fact  mentioned  so 
often  ?  Who  are  "the  other  sheep"  of  whom 
He  speaks?  (Is.  11:10;  49:6;  Zech.  2:11; 
Acts  15:14.)  What  will  these  Gentile 
sheep  do?  What  will  become  of  the  sheep 
called  out  of  the  two  folds?  (Eph.  2:14.) 
Was  the  Father  willing  that  our  Lord 
should  lay  down  His  life  for  the  sheep? 
Was  the  sacrifice  voluntary?  In  whose 
will  did  the  sacrifice  originate  (v.  18)  ? 

What  was  the  eff'ect  of  His  words  upon 
the  Jews?  How  often  did  His  words  cause 
division?  Why?  Why  do  men  reject  His 
words?  (John  8:47.)  What  different 
opinions  were  expressed  about  Him?  Was 
this  ever  said  on  any  other  occasion?  What 
proof  did  the  supporters  of  our  Lord  bring 
that  He  was  not  possessed  of  a  demon? 
Was  that  good  proof?  Is  there  any  other 
proof? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

J.    Our  Lord. 

(i)  His  deity,  11;  humanity,  li,  15; 
obeyed  the  Father  even  unto  death, 
18;  loved  by  the  Father  because  of 
His  obedience,  17;  rejected  by  many, 
accused  of  having  a  demon,  suspected 
of  insanity,  20;  came  that  men  may 
have  abundant  life,  10;  had  power  to 
lay  His  life  down  and  to  take  it 
again,  laid  it  down  at  the  Father's 
command,  and  of  His  own  free 
choice,  18. 
(2)  The  door: 
By  which  a  shepherd  gets  access  to  the 
sheep,  I,  7;  by  which  the  sheep  enter 
into  salvation,  9;  any  one  can  enter 


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this  door,  all  who  enter  find  salva- 
tion,   pasture,    security,    liberty,    9. 

(3)     The  Good  Shepherd: 

Knows  the  sheep  even  as,  etc.,  14,  15, 
R.  V. ;  is  known  by  His  sheep  even  as, 
etc.,  IS;  has  a  personal  interest  in 
each  sheep  and  deals  individually 
with  each,  calls  by  name,  leads  them 
out,  3;  thrusts  the  laggard  forth, 
overlooks  none,  goes  before  the 
sheep,  4;  cares  for  the  sheep,  13; 
lays  down  His  life  for  the  sheep,  1 1, 
15;  gives  them  eternal  and  abundant 
life,   10,  28. 

Christ's  sheep. 

They   know   the    Shepherd's    voice,   4; 


hear  His  voice,  follow  Him,  3,  27; 
know  not  the  voice  of  strangers,  will 
not  follow  strangers,  flee  from  stran- 
gers, 5;  know  Him  even  as  He 
knoweth  the  Father,  are  known  by 
Him  even  as,  etc.,  14;  get  life,  10, 
28;  pasture,  security,  liberty,  9. 

False   shepherds. 

Seek  to  get  access  to  the  sheep  by  some 
other  way  than  our  Lord,  i,  7;  hire- 
Hngs,  12;  thieves  and  robbers,  i,  8; 
care  not  for  the  sheep,  13;  leave  the 
sheep  in  time  of  danger  to  seek  their 
own  safety,  12;  come  to  steal  and 
kill  and  destroy,  10;  the  true  shep- 
herd looks  out  for  the  sheep,  the 
false  shepherd  looks  out  for  himself. 


LESSON  76. 
Our  Lord  at  the  Feast  of  Dedication.    John  10:22-42. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

7.  Jesus  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  the 
giver  of  eternal  life,  vv.  22-2g. 

What  exact  time  of  year  was  it  ?  Where 
did  our  Lord  speak  these  words?  What 
other  Bible  incidents  occurred  in  Solo- 
mon's porch?  (Acts  3:11;  5:12.)  What 
question  did  the  Jews  put  to  our  Lord  (v. 
24,  R.  V.)  ?  Was  it  His  fault  that  they 
were  in  suspense?  On  what  particular 
point  were  they  in  suspense?  What  did 
they  demand  of  Him?  Had  they  ever  on 
any  other  occasion  asked  Him  who  He  was? 
(8:25,  53;  Luke  22:67-70.)  Had  He  never 
told  them  plainly  that  He  was  the  Christ? 
(v.  25;  5:17-23;  8:12,  24,  58.)  How  had 
they  received  His  statements?  Would  they 
have  received  the  statement  now  any  dif- 
ferently? 

To  what  then  does  He  appeal  instead  of 
answering  their  questions  in  words?  What 
works?  Does  He  in  any  other  place  refer 
to  His  works  as  a  proof  that  He  was  the 


One  sent  from  God,  the  Messiah,  the  Son 
of  God?  (v.  38;  5:36;  14:11.)  Were  the 
works  that  He  did  a  proof  that  He  was 
such?  (3:2;  20:31;  Acts  2:22;  10:38.) 
Had  any  recognized  His  works  as  proof  that 
He  really  was  the  Messiah?  (7:31.)  Were 
there  any  who  refused  to  recognize  this 
proof?  (12:37,  40.)  Did  the  leaders 
themselves  recognize  His  works  as  a  sign 
that  He  was  the  Messiah?  (11:47,  R-  V.) 
How  did  He  do  His  works  (v.  25)  ?  What 
is  meant  by  His  doing  them  "in  His  Fath- 
er's name"?  What  did  our  Lord  say  that 
His  works  did?  What  did  they  prove 
regarding  Himself?  (14:10,  11;  20:31.) 
Why  did  not  the  Jews  believe  when  they 
saw  these  works  (v.  26)  ?  Why  is  it  that 
any  one  today  hears  the  words  and  sees 
the  works  of  Jesus  and  yet  does  not  be- 
lieve? Whose  fault  is  it  if  one  is  not  one 
of  Christ's  sheep?  What  similar  reason 
does  our  Lord  give  elsewhere  why  the 
Jews  did  not  hear  His  word?     (8:47;  12:37- 


STUDIES    IN   THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


169 


40;  I  Cor.  4:3,  4.)  Is  it  a  privilege  to  be 
one  of  Christ's  sheep?  What  does  He  do 
for  His  sheep  (v.  28)  ?  Who  gives  eternal 
life?  If  our  Lord  gives  eternal  life  who 
must  He  be?  Why  shall  one  of  Christ's 
sheep  never  perish  (vv.  28,  29)  ?  What  word 
does  the  Revised  Version  substitute  for 
"pluck"  in  these  two  verses?  What  added 
thought  is  there  in  that  word?  Is  this 
thought  found  anywhere  else  in  the  Scrip- 
ture? How  do  these  persons  become 
Christ's  sheep?  (v.  29;  6:37.)  What  is 
the  proof  that  one  has  been  given  by  the 
Father  unto  the  Son?  What  is  absolutely 
sure  about  those  whom  the  Father  does 
give  unto  the  Son?  (v.  29;  17:2,  6, 
9,  II,  12.)  Whose  hand  keeps  us  beside  the 
hand  of  the  Son?  Of  what  may  we  be 
sure  if  one  is  in  the  Father's   hand? 

2.     "I  and  the  Father  are  one,"  vv.  30-38. 

What  astounding  statement  does  our 
Lord  make  about  His  relation  to  the  Father 
in  V.  30?  Is  this  statement  true?  Do  you 
really  believe  it?  In  what  sense  were  Jesus 
and  the  Father  one?  What  was  the  effect 
upon  the  Jews  of  this  utterance?  Why  did 
they  take  up  stones  to  stone  Him?  If  the 
statement  was  not  true,  then  what  was 
Jesus?  According  to  the  Jewish  law  what 
was  done  with  the  blasphemer?  If  Jesus 
and  the  Father  are  not  one,  would  the  Jews 
have  been  right  or  wrong  in  stoning  Jesus? 
If  Jesus  and  the  Father  are  one,  who  then 
is  the  blasphemer?  Did  the  Jews  on  any 
other  occasion  seek  to  kill  Him  for  a  simi- 
lar reason?  (5:18;  8:58,  59.)  On  what 
charge  did  the  Jews  finally  kill  Jesus? 
(Matt.  26:65.  66.)  If  He  was  not  divine, 
was  His  slaying  justified  by  Jewish  law? 
What  then  does  any  one  who  denies  the 
deity  of  Jesus  justify? 

Was  He  frightened  at  the  attempt  of  the 
Jews  to  kill   Him?     How   did   He  take  it 


all?  What  answer  did  He  make  to  the 
thought  of  their  hearts  that  lay  back  of 
their  action  (v.  32)  ?  To  what  did  He 
appeal?  Of  what  were  His  good  works  a 
proof?  (v.  25;  5:19,  20,  36;  Matt.  11:3-5; 
Acts  2:22;  10:38.)  What  was  the  Jews'  an- 
swer to  our  Lord's  question?  What  did 
they  say  He  was?  What  did  they  say  He 
made  Himself  out  to  be?  Did  He?  (v.  30; 
5:18;  Ro.  9:5;  14:9;  Phil.  2:6,  R.  v.,  mar- 
gin.) What  was  His  answer  to  the  charge 
(vv.  34,  35)  ?  Whom  does  he  say  the  Father 
called  gods?  (Ps.  82:6.)  Is  there  a  sense 
in  which  all  those  who  really  receive  the 
Word  of  God  are  divine?  (v.  35;  Ex. 
7:1;  Ps.  82:6,  7;  138:1;  2  Peter  1:4;  Ro. 
8:29.)  What  did  our  Lord  say  the  Father 
had  done  with  Him  that  He  had  not  done 
with  others?  (v.  36;  3:34;  6:27;  Ps.  2:2, 
6-12;  Is.  11:2-5;  42:1,  3;  61:1-3.)  Was 
He  fond  of  dwelling  upon  the  fact  that  the 
Father  had  sent  Him?  (3:17;  5:30,  36,  37; 
6:38,  57;  8:42;  17:3,  5,  8,  18,  21.)  Is  it 
important  that  we  believe  that  He  was  sent 
of  the  Father?  (17:2,  3,  8,  21,  23,  25,  26.) 
What  is  tlie  last  thing  that  He  says  about 
Himself  in  v.  36?  Does  He  say  that  any- 
where else,  or  what  substantially  amounts 
to  that?  Is  it  important  that  we  believe  it? 
(20:31.)  Under  what  condition  did  our 
Lord  say  they  would  have  the  right  not  to 
believe  on  Him  (v.  37)  ?  Did  that  con- 
dition actually  exist?  Had  they  therefore 
any  excuse  not  to  believe  on  Him?  What 
takes  away  all  excuse?  What  did  He  de- 
mand if  He  did  the  works  of  the  Father 
(v.  38)  ?  Is  that  a  reasonable  demand?  If 
they  believed  the  works  that  they  actually 
saw,  what  must  they  also  believe?  Does 
our  Lord  do  any  works  today  that  prove 
that  He  is  divine? 

3.     Our    Lord    beyond    the    Jordan,    vv. 
39-42. 

What  was   the  effect   upon  the  Jews  of 
our  Lord's  claim  that  He  was  in  the  Father 


170 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


and  the  Father  in  Him?  Did  they  attempt 
on  any  other  occasion  to  arrest  or  kill  Him? 
(7:30,  44;  8:59;  Luke  4:29,  30.)  Did  they 
succeed?  Why  not?  Where  did  He  go? 
Why  did  He  stay  there?  Was  He  afraid? 
What  then  was  He  ?  Was  it  known  whither 
He  had  gone?  What  did  many  do  when 
they  learned  the  place  where  He  had  re- 
tired? Did  our  Lord  usually  attract  mul- 
titudes? (Matt.  4:23-25;  Mark  1:37;  Luke 
5:1;  12:1.)  What  may  we  be  sure  will 
be  the  result  when  it  is  known  that  He  is 
really  in  a  place?  What  fact  about  Him 
drew  the  people  to  Him  (v.  41)?  What 
was  John's  testimony  concerning  Him? 
(1:29,  33,  34;  3:29-36;  Matt.  3:11,  12.) 
What  was  the  result  of  their  seeing  and 
hearing  Him  again  (v.  42)  ?  (2  -.23 ;  4 139, 
41,  42;  8:30;   11:45;   12:42.) 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  God  the  Father. 

Our  Lord  did  His  work  in  His  name, 
bore  witness  to  our  Lord  by  the 
works  He  gave  Him  to  do,  25 ;  great- 
er than  all,  29;  gave  Christ's  sheep 
to  Him,  no  man  able  to  pluck  Christ's 
sheep  out  of  His  hand,  29 ;  the  Father 
is  in  the  Son,  38;  sanctified  Jesus  and 
sent  Him  into  the  world,  36;  called 
those  unto  whom  the  word  of  God 
came  "gods,"  35. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 

(1)  His  deity: 

The  Son  of  God,  25,  29,  30,  32,  36,  37, 
38;  He  and  the  Father  one,  30;  the 
Father  is  in  Him  and  He  in  the 
Father,  38. 

(2)  His  humanity,  31,  39,  40. 

(3)  His  subordination  to  the  Father: 
Did  His  works  in  His  Father's  name, 

25 ;  sent  by  the  Father,  36 ;  His  sheep 
given  to  Him  by  the  Father,  29;  the 


Father  greater  than  He,  29. 

(4)  The  Christ,  24,  25. 

(5)  His  relation  to  His  sheep: 

He  owns  them,  is  followed  by  them, 
27;  gives  unto  them  eternal  life, 
guarantees  that  none  of  them  shall 
ever  perish,  keeps  them  in  His  hand 
so  that  no  man  can  hurt  them,  28. 

(6)  His  characteristics: 
Fearlessness,  23 ;  patience,  25 ;  plain- 
ness of  speech,  26;  love,  28;  assur- 
ance of  His  relation  to  His  Father, 
30;  calmness,  31,  32;  familiarity  with 
Scripture,  34;   prudence,  39,  40. 

(7)  His  works: 

Did  the  works  of  the  Father,  37,  38. 

(8)  How  He  was  treated: 

Honored,  witnessed  to  by  the  Father, 
36,  38;  sanctified  and  sent  into  the 
world  by  Him,  36;  protected  by  Him, 
39;  witnessed  to  by  John,  resorted 
unto  by  many,  41 ;  believed  on  by 
many,  42;  listened  to  and  followed 
by  His  sheep,  27;  misunderstood  by 
the  Jews,  24;  the  Jews  sought  to  ar- 
rest Him,  39;  took  up  stones  to  kill 
Him,  31 ;  accused  of  blasphemy  by 
the  Jews,  33. 

(9)  What  our  Lord  demanded : 
Faith  in  Himself,  25,  37,  38. 

3.  The  Jezvs. 

Misunderstood  our  Lord,  asked  Him 
to  tell  them  what  He  had  already 
told  them  plainly,  24;  did  not  believe 
in  Him,  were  not  of  Christ's  sheep, 
26;  accused  Him  of  blasphemy,  33; 
sought  to  arrest  Him,  39;  took  up 
stones  to  stone  Him,  32;  did  not  un- 
derstand their  own  Scriptures,  35,  36. 

4.  Christ's  sheep. 

Believe  on  Jesus,  26;  hear  His  voice, 
follow  Him,  27;  receive  eternal  life, 
eternally  secure  in  the  hand  of  the 


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171 


Son  and  of  the  Father,  shall  never 
perish,   28,   29. 

Faith. 

The  mark  of  Christ's  sheep,  26;  found- 
ed upon  the  works  that  Christ  does, 
25,  38;  founded  upon  the  Word,  35; 
demanded  by  reason  in  view  of  the 


works  of  Christ,  27;  exercised  by- 
many,  42;  not  to  believe  the  supreme 
proof  that  one  is  not  one  of  Christ's 
sheep,  26. 

The  Scriptures. 

The  Word  of  God,  35 ;  cannot  be  brok- 
en, 35- 


LESSON  77. 
Our  Lord  Teaching  His  Disciples  How  to  Pray.    Luke  11 :1-13. 
Matthew  7:7-12.) 


(Compare 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.    "Lord,  teach  us  to  pray,"  vv.  1-4. 

With  what  request  did  our  Lord's  dis- 
ciples come  to  Him?  What  was  it  awak- 
ened in  them  such  a  desire?  Do  we  need 
to  be  taught  how  to  pray?  (James  4:3, 
Ro.  8:26.)  Will  He  teach  us?  How?  (Ro. 
8:26,  27.)  In  what  different  connection  in 
Matthew  do  we  find  the  prayer  that  fol- 
lows? (Matt.  6:9-13.)  How  do  you  ac- 
count for  this  seeming  discrepancy  between 
Matthew  and  Luke?  Is  this  prayer  prop- 
erly called  "The  Lord's  Prayer"?  Where 
do  we  find  the  Lord's  prayer  ?   (John  17.) 

Is  this  prayer  intended  as  an  exact  form 
which  the  church  is  to  adopt  and  repeat  in 
all  ages?  (Matt.  6:9.)  Who  only  has  a 
right  to  pray  this  prayer  (v.  2)  ?  (Gal. 
3:26;  Ro.  8:14;  I  John  3:10.)  Ought  a 
believer  to  limit  himself  to  this  prayer? 
(James  5:14;  Phil.  4:6.)  What  feature  of 
Christian  prayer  is  entirely  wanting  here? 
(John  14:13.)     Why  is  it  wanting? 

How  does  the  prayer  begin?  What  truth 
about  God  is  taught  in  these  opening  words? 
What  truth  about  believers?  What  is  in- 
dicated by  calling  God  "Our  Father  which 
art  in  heaven"?  (Ps.  115:3;  Is.  66:1;  Ps. 
11:4;  Dan.  2:28;  Matt.  3:17;  10:32;  Acts 
1:9,  10.)  What  is  the  first  petition?  What 
does  it  mean?  Why  is  it  put  first?  What 
does  all  true  prayer  put  first?  What  is  the 
second   petition?     What   does   that  mean? 


(Is.  2:2-5;  Dan.  2:44;  7:27;  Rev.  2:15; 
19:6;  20:14.)  Before  the  kingdom  comes 
who  must  come?  (Rev.  19:11-16,  etc.) 
What  prayer   is    a    good   prelude    to   this? 

(Rev.  22;  20.)  If  we  truly  desire  God's 
kingdom  to  come  \.hat  is  the  first  thing 
we  will  do?  The  second?  Do  any  pray 
this  prayer  dishonestly?  What  is  the  next 
petition?  What  does  it  mean?  (a.  Luke 
22:42;  b.  John  6:38;  Eph.  6:6;  c.  1  Thess. 
4:3;  d.  text.)  What  is  the  supreme  delight 
of  every  true  believer?  (God's  will.) 
What  will  the  man  who  honestly  offers 
this  petition  do? 

What  is  the  fourth  petition  (v.  3)  ?  How 
much  bread  are  we  to  ask  for?  How  much 
at  a  time?  Are  men  willing  to  come  to 
God  each  day  for  each  day's  need?  What 
miracle  in  the  O.  T.  teaches  the  same  les- 
son? (Ex.  16:15-22.)  Can  the  believer 
confidently  trust  God  to  supply  each  day 
his  need  for  that  day?  (Matt.  6:33,  34; 
Phil.  4:19.)  Has  he  any  right  to  expect 
more  than  that? 

What  is  the  fifth  petition  (v.  4)  ?  Is  this 
the  prayer  of  the  unsaved  man  for  the  for- 
giveness that  makes  him  God's  child?  For 
what  forgiveness  is  it  a  prayer?  If  we  are 
to  enjoy  the  forgiveness  that  brings  fel- 
lowship with  God  what  must  we  do?  How 
about  I  John  1:9?  Can  there  be  any  fel- 
lowship with  God  if  we  do  not  forgive? 
(Matt.  6:14,  15.)     Are  there  many  prayers 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


hindered  by  an  unforgiving  spirit?  (Mark 
11:25,  26.)  What  does  the  fact  that  in 
this  permanent  model  of  prayer  the  request 
for  forgiveness  is  placed  alongside  the  re- 
quest for  daily  bread  indicate  as  to  the 
disciples'  daily  need?  Is  the  fact  of  our 
forgiving  others  the  ground  upon  which 
God  forgives  us?  (Eph.  i  7;  4:32.)  What 
is  the  condition  upon  which  the  believer 
gets  forgiveness?  (i  John  1:9.)  Why  is 
the  prayer  for  pardon  put  first  of  the  prayers 
for  spiritual  blessing?  Who  are  meant  by 
those  indebted  to  us? 

What  is  the  sixth  petition?  What  is 
meant  by  "Bring  us  not  into  temptation"? 
Will  God  bring  us  into  temptation?  (Jas. 
1:13;  Job.  1:12;  2:6.)  What  limit  does 
God  put  to  our  temptations?  (i  Cor.  10:13.) 
Why  ought  we  to  offer  this  petition?  (Matt. 
26:41.)  What  spirit  does  this  petition  re- 
veal upon  the  part  of  the  one  who  offers  it? 
What  will  the  one  who  honestly  offers  it 
do? 

What  is  the  final  petition?  What  change 
do  the  Revisers  make  in  it?  (Matt.  6:13.) 
Where  did  our  Lord  Himself  offer  this  pe- 
tition for  His  disciples?     (John  17:15.) 

2.     The  power  of  importunity,  vv.  5-J0. 

With  what  parable  did  our  Lord  follow 
this  prayer?  What  is  its  lesson?  In  what 
other  parable  is  the  same  lesson  taught? 
(Luke  18:1-8.)  Is  it  right  to  ask  the  same 
thing  more  than  once?  If  we  are  in  the 
right  spiritual  condition  and  have  the  right 
conception  of  God,  will  we  not  claim  it  on 
the  first  asking  and  rest  upon  that?  (Matt. 
26:44.)  What  illustrations  have  we  in  the 
Bible  of  importunate  prevailing  prayer? 
(Gen.  32:26;  Matt.  15:22-28.)  What  three 
commands  are  there  in  v.  9?  What  three 
promises?  Upon  what  are  the  promises 
conditioned?  Why  don't  men  receive? 
(Jas.  4:2.)  Why  don't  they  find?  Why  is 
it  not  opened  to  them?     Is   it   a   duty  to 


pray?  (Luke  18 :i.)  Why  does  our  Lord 
say  "Ask,  seek,  knock,"  and  not  merely 
"Ask"  ?  What  sweeping  statement  does  He 
make  about  every  one  that  asks  (v.  10)  ? 
Does  He  mean  that  God  hears  everybody's 
every  prayer? 

3.  The  heavenly  Father's  willingness  to 
give  to  His  asking  children,  vv.  11-13. 

What  is  the  argument  our  Lord  uses  to 
prove  God's  readiness  to  answer  prayer?  Is 
it  a  good  argument?  What  fact  about 
God  do  all  these  reasonings  of  philosophers 
about  the  impossibility  of  God's  answering 
prayer  based  upon  the  reign  of  law  lose 
sight  of?  What  statement  does  our  Lord 
make  in  regard  to  human  nature?  How  evil 
is  it?  (Gen.  6:5,  6;  8:21;  Ps.  51:5;  Ro. 
y-.y,  8;  3:10-19.)  What  is  the  only  thing 
that  will  change  it?  (Titus  3:3-5.)  Does 
our  Lord  include  Himself  in  this  estimate 
of  human  nature?  What  does  that  prove  as 
to  His  conception  of  Himself?  To  whom  is 
it  men  give  in  answer  to  requests?  To 
whom  according  to  this  argument  may  we 
expect  God  to  give?  Who  are  His  child- 
ren? (John  1:12,  13;  Gal.  3:26.)  To 
which  of  His  children  does  God  give?  Why 
is  it  then  that  so  many  of  God's  children 
lack  the  fulness  of  blessing?  (Jas.  4:2; 
Ps.  81  :io.)  Why  is  it  many  lack  who  do  ask? 
(Jas.  4:3.)  What  does  God  especially  give 
to  them  that  ask?  How  does  Matthew 
differ  from  Luke  here?  (Matt.  7:11.) 
Why  are  the  promises  substantially  the 
same?  If  we  want  the  Holy  Spirit  what 
shall  we  do?  Will  God  give  only  what  we 
ask?      (Eph.  3:20.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

His  relation  to  man— Father,  2; 
His  home — heaven,  2; 
His  honor  and  will — supreme,  2; 
His  character — holy,  2;  compassionate, 
approachable,  2,  5; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


173 


His   work — answers   prayer,   2,    5,    13; 
rules,  2 ;    feeds    the   hungry,   3 ;    for- 
gives the  sinner,  protects  the  weak,  4. 
2.     Our  Lord. 

Divine,   13 ;  human,   i ;  sinless,   13 ;  the 
teacher  of  true  prayer,  14. 
J.     Man. 

Ignorant,   i ;   weak,   dependent,  a  daily 
sinner,  3,  4;  evil,  in  the  divine  image, 
13. 
4.    Believers. 

Brethren,  2; 

God's   glory    their    supreme    desire,    2; 

God's    will    their    supreme    delight,    2; 

God's   kingdom   their   supreme  hope,  2. 


They     have     forgiveness,     4;     earthly 
necessities   supplied,  3 ;   protection,  4. 
Daily  dependent  upon  God  for  support, 
3 ;  forgiveness,  safety,  4. 
5.     Prayer. 

(i)     What  to  pray  for: 
God's  glory  first,  God's  kingdom,  God's 
will,  2;  our  daily  needs,  3;  our  daily 
forgiveness,   our  daily  protection,  4; 
the  Holy  Ghost,  13. 
(2)     How  to  pray : 
Trustfully,  2,  13;  simply,  briefly,  to  the 
point,  2,  5 ;  importunately,  5,  10. 
(3")     When  to  pray: 
Daily,  3;  constantly,  9,  10. 


LESSON  78. 

The  Folly  of  Laying  up  Treasure   for  One's  Self  and   Not   Being   Rich 

Toward  God.     Luke  12:13-21. 


DISCOVERY   OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.  "Take  heed  and  bezvare  of  covetous- 
ness,"  vv.  13-15. 

What  was  the  occasion  of  this  parable? 
Had  the  profound  teaching  to  which  our 
Lord  had  just  given  utterance  made  much 
impression  on  this  man?  Why  not?  What 
was  all  this  man  saw  in  Him  ?  Do  we  ever 
find  people  of  that  sort  nowadays?  How 
did  he  address  our  Lord?  Was  he  really  a 
disciple?  Why  did  he  then  address  Him  as 
Master?  To  whose  offenses  did  this  man 
have  an  open  eye?  To  whose  was  he  blind? 
What  kept  his  brother  from  dividing  the  in- 
heritance? What  made  him  wish  his 
brother  to  divide  it? 

What  was  our  Lord's  reply?  Does  this 
mean  that  He  has  nothing  to  do  with  man's 
conduct  concerning  wealth?  What  does  He 
mean  then?  Against  what  sin  does  He 
take  occasion  to  warn  His  disciples?  Why 
does  He  warn  them  at  this  time  against  this 
particular     sin?      What     is     covetousness  ? 


With  what  other  sins  does  the  Bible  class 
it?  (i  Cor.  5: 10,  11 ;  6:ro;  Eph.  5:3,  5.) 
What  is  its  relation  to  other  sins?  (i  Tim. 
6:10.)  Is  there  need  of  warning  against  it 
today?  In  order  to  escape  its  grasp  what 
must  man  do?  What  change  does  the  Re- 
vised Version  make  here?  What  is  sug- 
gested by  the  expression :  "Take  heed  and 
keep  yourselves  from  all  covetousness"? 
What  reason  does  our  Lord  give  for  "tak- 
ing heed,  etc."?  What  is  the  primary 
meaning  of  this  reason?  Is  there  any 
deeper  meaning  in  it?  How  much  of  this 
world's  goods  ought  we  to  desire?  (r  Tim. 
6:8.) 

2.     Wise  in  the  eyes  of  men,  vv.  16-19. 

How  does  our  Lord  seek  to  impress  the 
lesson?  What  is  the  main  point  of  the 
parable?  Did  the  man  come  honestly  by 
his  wealth?  To  whom  did  he  owe  his  pros- 
perity? Did  he  recognize  the  fact?  What 
was  the  first  thing  this  man's  rapidly  in- 
creasing wealth   brought   him?     Is   that   a 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


true  picture  of  life?  What  was  he  per- 
plexed about?  Was  there  nowhere  to  be- 
stow his  fruits?  (Luke  3:11;  11:41;  14:13, 
14;  16:9;  18:22.)  In  the  repeated  use  of 
what  pronoun  does  the  intense  selfishness  of 
the  man  come  out?  Were  they  really  hisf 
What  was  his  way  out  of  the  difficulty? 
Was  he  a  shrewd  man?  What  was  the  one 
fault  in  all  his  calculations?     (James  4:15.) 

What  was  he  going  to  do  next?  Had  he 
any  ease  in  the  accumulation  of  his  wealth? 
Was  he  going  to  have  any  in  the  enjoyment 
of  it?  Is  there  ever  real  ease  in  the  acquire- 
ment or  enjoyment  of  wealth?  Where 
alone  can  it  be  found?  (Matt.  11  :28.)  To 
whom  did  the  rich  man  address  himself? 
What  did  he  say?  Did  his  soul  have  much 
goods  laid  up?  Where  is  the  place  to  lay 
up  goods  for  many  years?  (Matt.  6:19,  21.) 
How  do  we  lay  them  up  there?  (Mark 
10:21.)  What  was  his  highest  conception 
of  the  right  use  of  money?  How  did  he 
expect  his  soul  to  be  satisfied?  Can  you 
satisfy  a  soul  that  way?  Why  not?  What 
alone  can  satisfy  the  soul?  (John  4:13.  14) 
Is  taking  one's  ease,  eating,  etc.,  a  wise  way 
to  spend  life?  (Luke  16:19,  22,  23;  21:34; 
I  Tim.  5:6;  James  5:5;  Rev.  18:7.) 

3.     A  fool  in  the  sight  of  God,  vv.  20-21. 

How  were  the  man's  calculations  all  up- 
set? Who  has  done  all  the  talking  up  to 
this  point?  Who  now  speaks?  Does  He 
say  much?  Does  it  take  many  words  from 
God  to  upset  our  worldly  plans?  For  how 
long  did  this  man  say  he  had  goods  laid  up? 
How  long  did  God  say  he  could  keep  them? 
What  did  He  call  the  man?  Why  was  he  a 
fool?  Are  there  many  fools  of  that  kind 
nowadays?  What  had  the  man  called  his 
soul?  How  did  God  show  him  it  was  not 
his?  When  God  demanded  the  man's  soul 
what  had  he  left'  If  God  should  require 
your    soul   tonight    how   much    would    you 


have  left?  Of  how  much  time  can  we 
boast  ourselves?  (Prov.  27:1.)  What 
was  to  become  of  the  rich  man's  wealth 
when  he  was  gone?  What  was  all  that  he 
had  to  do  with  it  after  all?  (The  burden 
and  toil  of  accumulating  it :  "thou  hast  pre- 
pared.") Does  it  pay  to  live  for  money? 
What  is  the  man  who  heaps  up  wealth  in 
the  eyes  of  God? 

Of  whose  life  and  end  does  our  Lord  say 
this  is  a  picture?  Is  the  fault  in  laying  up 
treasure? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Riches. 

Cannot  give  life,  15;  or  peace,  19;  can- 
not be  kept,  20;  bring  care,  17; 
blindness,  19;  ruin,  20;  should  not  be 
treasured  up  for  self,  should  be  used 
for  God,  21. 

2.  Covetousness. 

Universal  in  its  sway,  manifold  in  its 
m.anifestations,  insidious  in  its  at- 
tacks, awful  in  its  guilt,  15;  ruinous 
in  its  results,  20. 

3.  Our  Lord. 

His  knowledge — of  man,   15,  16-20;  of 

men,  13-15;  of  God,  of  destiny,  20. 
His   skill  as   a   teacher,    13-21. 

4.  God. 

Left  out  in  man's  calculations,  watches 
man's  doings,  silences  man's  boast- 
ings, exposes  man's  folly,  confounds 
man's  reasonings,  upsets  man's 
scheming,  reckons  with  man's  selfish- 
ness, claims  proprietorship  over 
man's  possessions,  takes  back  man's 
misused  possessions,  18-20. 

5.  The  poor  rich  man. 
(i)     The  bright  side: 

Rich,  his  wealth  honestly  gotten,  16; 
thoughtful,  far  seeing,  worldly  wise, 
17,  18;  plans  seemingly  wisely  laid, 
bright  prospects   for  years  to  come. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


175 


i8;  filled  with  hope  and  exultation,  19. 

(2)  The  dark  side: 

His  prosperity  a  burden,  17;  poor  in 
real  wealth,  ignorant  of  the  real 
needs  of  the  soul,  19;  forgot  God  in 
his  blessings,  17-19;  a  fool  in  God's 
sight,  left  God  out  in  his  planning, 
God  upset  all  his  well  laid  plans,  God 
required  his  soul,  left  his  wealth  to 
another  and  his  memory  to  contempt, 
his  life  an  utter  and  eternal  failure, 
20. 

(3)  Contrasts: 

Owed  all  his  prosperity  to  God,  but 
forgot  the  God  who  gave  it,  16; 

Rich  in  the  wealth  that  perisheth,  but 
penniless  in  the  wealth  that  abideth, 
21 ; 

Wise  in  the  world's  sight  but  a  fool  in 
God's  sight,  17,  18,  20; 

Had  the  burden  and  anxiety  of  accumu- 
lating   wealth,    but    was    forced    to 


leave  to  another  the  enjoyment  of  it, 

20; 
Expected  to  put  his  goods  into  his  own 

barns,  but  put  them  into  the  barns  of 

another,  20; 
Thought  he  had  much   goods   laid  up 

for  many  years,  but  could  not  hold 

them  another  day,  19,  20; 
Expected  to  eat,  drink  and  be  merry  for 

years    to    come,    but    ceased    to    eat, 

drink  or  be   merry  that  very  night, 

19,  20; 
Reasoned     within     himself     what     he 

should  do,  but  God  told  him  what  he 

must  do,  17,  20; 
Expected  to  live  in  happiness,  but  died 

in  gloom,  19,  20; 
Thought  he  needed  great  barns  to  be- 
stow   his    goods,    but  only  needed  a 

little  grave  to  bestow  his  body,  18,  20. 
"So    is  he   that  hiyeth   up    treasure  for 

himself  and  not  such  toward  God." 


LESSON  79. 
The  Folly  of  Anxiety.     Luke   12:22-34. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.     God's  care  for  his  creatures,  vv.  22-28. 

What  was  the  central  lesson  of  the  pre- 
ceding lesson?  What  is  the  central  lesson 
of  this?  What  is  the  connection  between 
that  lesson  and  this?  In  what  two  ways  as 
seen  in  the  last  lesson  and  this  does  a  heart 
set  upon  temporal  things  manifest  itself? 
What  is  the  Revised  Version  of  "take  no 
thought"?  What  is  Paul's  cure  for  anx- 
iety? (Phil.  4:6.)  The  psalmist's?  (Ps. 
55:22.)  Peter's?  (i  Peter  5:7.)  Christ's 
radical  cure?  (Matt.  6:24,  25,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  lesson.)  Is  it  possible  for  one 
to  live  without  anxiety?  Is  there  any  di- 
rect Bible  warrant  for  wise  forethought  in 


providing  for  the  future?  (Prov.  6:6-8; 
Gen.  41:33-36;  Eph.  4:28;  i  Tim.  5:8;  2 
Thess.  3:10;  Matt.  26:17-19.)  What  is  for- 
bidden ?  What  are  the  things  that  our  Lord 
specifies  that  we  are  not  to  be  anxious 
about?  Is  there  much  anxiety  in  the  world 
about  these  things  today?  In  what  way  do 
we  see  in  this  lesson  that  our  Lord  felt  the 
disciples  were  greatly  exposed  to  this  peril? 
(The  number  and  variety  of  reasons  given 
against  it.)  Is  this  just  as  much  an  im- 
perative command  as  the  others  of  Christ? 
What  is  the  first  reason  given  here  by 
Christ  for  not  being  anxious  about  food? 
What  is  its  force?  Which  is  the 'more  im- 
portant—the  body   or   the   clothes   we   put 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF   OUR  LORD 


upon  it?  What  shall  we  say  then  of  those 
who  sacrifice  the  health  of  the  body  for  the 
sake  of  clothes? 

What  is  the  second  reason  given  for  not 
being  anxious  (v.  24)  ?  Are  we  to  infer 
from  God's  feeding  the  ravens  without 
their  working  that  we  need  not  work? 
What  passage  in  God's  Word  would  cor- 
rect any  such  notion  as  that?  (2  Thess. 
3  :io.)  What  is  the  force  of  the  argument? 
What  is  meant  by  our  being  much  better 
than  the  fowls?  (See  R.  V.)  What  is 
the  reason  of  the  value  that  God  sets  upon 
man?     (John  3:16.) 

What  is  the  third  reason  (vv.  25,  26)  ? 
(It  acomplishes  nothing.)  The  fourth  rea- 
son (vv.  27,  28)  ?  Against  what  especial 
form  of  anxiety  is  this  a  reason?  (Matt. 
6:28.)  What  is  the  point  of  this  argument? 
Is  it  really  true  that  the  adornment  of  the 
flowers  is  more  perfect  and  glorious  than 
that  of  Solomon?  When  will  our  Father 
clothe  us  with  raiment  more  wondrous  than 
theirs?  Is  it  right  for  us  to  look  at  and 
study  the  beauties  of  nature?  For  what 
purpose  ought  we  to  study  them? 

Of  what  lack  did  our  Lord  say  this 
worry  was  an  indication?  Is  it  a  common 
lack?  (8:25;  Matt.  14:31;  16:8;  17:17,20.) 
Is  it  a  serious  lack?     (Heb.  11:6.) 

2.  What  to  seek  and  what  not  to  seek, 
vv.  29-M- 

How  does  our  Lord  sum  up  the  teaching 
of  the  lesson  so  far?  What  is  meant? 
(Matt.  6:31.)  What  is  the  proper  limit  of 
our  desires  in  these  things?  (i  Tim.  6:8, 
R.  V.)  Are  most  people  satisfied  with  that 
much?  Has  that  fact  anything  to  do  with 
their  anxiety? 

What  is  the  fifth  reason  given  against 
worldly  anxiety?  What  is  the  difference 
between  a  heathen  and  a  Christian  if  the 
Christian  has  the  same  ambitions  and  treas- 


ures as  a  heathen?  What  is  then  the  man 
whose  heart  is  set  upon  earthly  things.'' 
Have  we  got  any  heathen  in  our  churches? 

What  is  the  sixth  reason?  Is  that  as 
good  as  the  others?  What  is  it  that  God 
knows  we  need?  What  then  may  we  be 
sure  of?  (Phil.  4:19.)  What  is  to  be  the 
great  object  of  the  Christian's  search  (v. 
31)?  What  is  the  kingdom  of  God? 
(Ro.  14:17.)  If  you  want  to  get  men  to 
take  their  affections  off  from  earthly  things 
what  is  the  best  thing  to  do?  Has  our 
seeking  of  the  kingdom  of  God  anything  to 
do  with  our  being  anxious  about  worldly 
things?  If  our  one  supreme  consuming  de- 
sire and  interest  is  in  His  kingdom  how 
much  worldly  anxiety  will  we  have?  What 
promise  accompanies  the  exhortation? 
What  is  meant  by  "these  things"?  Are  simi- 
lar promises  to  this  to  be  found  elsewhere  in 
the  Bible?  (Ps.  34:9,  10;  ZT-Z,  25;  84:11; 
Heb.  13:5;  Ro.  8:31.)  If  we  want  food, 
drink,  clothing,  what  is  the  surest  way  to 
get  them  ? 

What  final  word  full  of  comfort  does  our 
Lord  give  them  (v.  32)  ?  Why  does  He  call 
them  a  "little  flock"?  Is  the  fact  that  it  is 
God's,  etc.,  a  sufficient  reason  for  not  fear- 
ing? What  is  the  kingdom  that  is  to  be 
given  them?  (Matt.  25:34;  2  Thess.  1:5; 
Heb.  12:28;  Jas.  2:5;  2  Peter  i:ii;  Rev. 
22:5.)  To  what  word  of  practical  exhorta- 
tion does  this  word  of  comfort  form  a 
basis?  Docs  this  mean  that  a  man  is  to  lit- 
erally give  away  all  he  has?  (18:22;  Acts 
2:45;  4:34,  35;  Matt.  6:19,  20;  I  Tim. 
6:17-19;  James  S:i-3-)  What  is  the  best 
bank  to  lay  up  money  in?  The  safest  purse 
to  carry  it  in?  Where  can  we  keep  it 
where  it  will  be  safe  from  robbery  and 
corruption?  Does  our  place  in  the  future 
life  depend  on  how  we  use  our  money  here? 
Will  every  one  who  gives  away  money  here 
lay  up  treasure  in  heaven? 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND 

What  is  the  final  reason  our  Lord  gives 
for  laying  up  our  treasures  there  (v.  34)  ? 
Where  is  your  treasure?  Where  is  your 
heart?  What  are  the  six  reasons  He  gives 
against  anxiety? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

(i)     His   goodness,  wisdom,   power  and 

providential  care  revealed  in  nature : 

He  feeds  the  birds,  24; 

He  clothes  the  grass,  28. 
(2)     His  relation  to  His  children: 

He  knows  their  need,  30; 

He  clothes  them,  24; 

He  feeds  them,  28; 

He  has  a  kingdom  for  them,  32 ; 

He  must  be  put  first  by  them,  31. 

2.  Anxiety. 

Has  no  ground,  24,  28;  does  no  good, 
25;  reveals  no  faith,  28;  can  furnish 
no  excuse,  22-32;  results  from  a  di- 
vided heart,  22,  31 ;  is  positive  diso- 
bedience— sin,   22. 

3.  Seven  doses  for  dyspeptic  Christians. 
(i)     God    gives    life.    He     will     surely 

maintain  it,  23 ; 

(2)  God  feeds  the  birds,  much  more  will 
He  feed  His  children,  24; 

(3)  God  clothes  the  grass,  much  more 
will  He  clothe  His  children,  28; 


TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD  177 

(4)  Worry  cannot  add  one  cubit  to 
one's  stature,  but  can  add  much  lean- 
ness to  our  souls,  26,  28; 

(5)  Worry  is  natural  in  a  heathen,  but 
monstrous  in  a  Christian,  30; 

(6)  Our  Father  knows  our  every  need, 
30; 

(7)  It  is  our  Father's  purpose  to  give 
us  a  kingdom.  He  will  surely  provide 
our  travelling  outfit,  32. 

4.  The  kingdom  of  God. 

God's  gift,  z^;  should  be  our  first  aim, 
brings  with  it  all  other  good,  31 ; 
our  position  in  it  depends  upon  our 
use  of  our  money  here,  33. 

5.  Food  and  clothes. 

Something  the  world  is  anxious  about, 
30;  for  which  God's  children  are 
tempted  to  forget  Him,  22;  God's 
children  need,  30;  God's  children 
need  not  be  anxious  about,  22 ;  God's 
children  must  put  second,  31 ;  God's 
children  will  be  supplied  with  by  their 
Father,  24,  28. 

6.  God's  children. 

His  children  under  His  bountiful  care, 
24,  28,  30;  His  flock  under  His 
mighty  protection,  2^ ;  His  heirs  des- 
tined for  His  eternal  kingdom,  32; 
His  almoners  to  dispense  His 
bounties,  ZZ',  His  depositors  with 
treasures  in  His  bank,  33. 


LESSON  80. 
The  Wisdom  of  Watching  for  the  Lord's  Return, 
pare  Matthew  24:43-51.) 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

J.  Watching  for  their  absent  Lord,  vv. 
35-40. 

What  is  the  proper  attitude  of  mind  of 
disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  toward  their  ab- 
sent   Lord?      (2    Peter    3:11,    12,    R.    V.; 


Luke  12:35-48.     (Corn- 


Titus  2:13;  2  Tim.  4:8.)  Why  do  the 
faithful  servants  watch  for  Him?  If  He 
should  come  today  would  all  His  professed 
disciples  be  ready  to  "open  unto  Him  im- 
mediately"? Would  you?  In  order  to  be 
looking    for    Him    what  must   at    least  he 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


possible?  Why  is  it  that  there  are  so 
many  who  are  not  looking  for  Him? 
Does  He  come  and  knock  at  any  time  be- 
sides at  His  second  coming?  (Rev.  3:20.) 
In  order  to  hear  His  knock  and  let  Him  in, 
in  what  attitude  of  mind  must  we  be? 
Suppose  we  are  not  watching  and  do  not 
respond  promptly  to  His  knock,  what  then? 
(Solomon's  Song  5:5,  6.)  How  are  we  to 
show  that  we  are  looking  for  His  return? 
What  is  the  object  of  having  the  "loins 
girded  about"  (v.  2,7)  "^  (i  Kings  18:46.) 
What  "loins"  are  we  to  gird?  (i  Peter 
1:13.)  With  what?  (Eph.  6:14.)  How? 
(John  17:17;  2  Tim.  3:16,  17.)  What  are 
the  "lamps"  (R.  V.)  which  are  to  be  kept 
burning?  (Matt.  5:16;  25:1,  3;  2  Tim. 
3:5.)  What  is  necessary  in  order  that 
the  lamp  be  kept  burning?  (Matt.  25:3,  4, 
8.)  Of  what  is  this  oil  a  symbol?  (Acts 
10:38;  I  John  2:20,  27;  Ps.  45:7.) 

What  word  describes  the  experiences  of 
Christ's  watching  servants  when  He  comes? 
In  what  will  their  blessedness  consist? 
Will  that  be  a  feast  worth  having  a  part 
in?  Will  all  Christ's  servants  have  a  part 
in  it?  How  many  times  are  we  exhorted  in 
the  Bible  to  watch?  If  our  "loins  are 
girded"  to  serve  Him  what  will  He  do? 
Does  it  make  any  difference  in  the  blessed- 
ness of  the  watching  servant  at  what  hour 
He  comes?  What  is  it  more  important  to 
have  a  care  to  than  in  what  particular 
watch  He  comes?  In  what  watch  is  He 
coming?  (Mark  13:35.)  By  what  illustra- 
tion does  He  enforce  this  teaching  about 
the  necessity  of  constantly  watching?  What 
is  the  point  of  this  illustration?  Is  the 
coming  of  Christ  elsewhere  compared  to 
the  coming  of  a  thief?  (Matt.  24:43,  44; 
I  Thess.  2:3;  2  Peter  3:10;  Rev.  Z'Z',  16: 
15.)  Where  is  the  similarity?  In  what 
manner   will   He  come?      (Acts   i:ii.)      In 


what  way  can  we  prevent  that  day  overtak- 
ing us  as  a  thief?  (i  Thess.  5:4-6;  i  John 
2:28.)  If  He  should  come  today  would 
you  be  overtaken  by  surprise  and  dismay 
or  not? 

What  is  the  lesson  our  Lord  draws  from 
this  parable?  When  should  we  be  ready? 
What  will  those  who  are  "ready"  when  the 
Lord  comes  do?  (Matt.  25  :io.)  What  will 
happen  to  those  who  are  not  ready?  (Matt. 
25:10-12.)  Are  men,  or  the  church  as  a 
whole,  looking  for  His  coming  today?  Is 
that  any  evidence  that  He  is  not  coming? 

2.  Faithfully  serving  their  absent  Lord, 
vv.  41-48. 

What  was  Peter  anxious  to  know?  Is  it 
necessary  in  order  to  correctly  understand 
the  Bible  to  know  to  whom  any  particular 
promise,  warning,  exhortation  or  command- 
ment is  addressed?  What  is  the  best  way 
to  find  out?  To  whom  was  this  parable 
and  its  lesson  addressed  (v.  42)  ?  (Mark 
13:3s.  27-)  To  what  are  teachers  com- 
pared? Is  this  figure  found  elsewhere? 
(Matt.  24:45,  46;  Acts  20:28;  I  Cor.  4:1,  2; 
I  Peter  4:10.)  What  is  the  steward's  busi- 
ness? What  is  the  pastor's  and  teacher's 
business?  (John  21:15-17;  i  Peter  5:2; 
Jer.  3:15.)  "Who,  then,  is  the  faithful  and 
wise  steward"  ?  Do  all  whom  Christ  has 
appointed  to  this  office  do  this?  Whom  do 
some  whom  He  has  called  to  be  stewards 
feed?  (Ezek.  34:2,  3.)  With  what  does 
the  "wise  and  faithful  steward"  feed  the 
"household"?  (i  Peter  2:2;  4:10,  11.)  Do 
all  stewards  give  the  household  this  meat? 
With  what  do  they  sometimes  try  to  feed 
the  household?  When  should  the  steward 
give  the  household  their  portion  of  meat? 

What  word  is  used  to  describe  the  experi- 
ence of  the  wise  and  faithful  steward  at  the 
coming  of  his  Lord?  In  what  will  his 
blessedness  consist?     Wherein  lies  the  ap- 


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179 


propriateness  of  this  reward?  Who  is 
placed  in  contrast  with  this  faithful  and 
wise  steward?  What  lies  at  the  bottom  of 
his  evil  doing?  What  is  the  practical  ef- 
fect upon  the  church  and  individual  of  re- 
garding the  coming  of  their  Lord  as  a  far 
away  and  unreal  event?  What  is  the  ef- 
fect of  thinking  of  it  as  a  most  real  and 
possibly  imminent  event?  (Matt.  26:6,  7.) 
What  is  the  one  great  cause  according  to 
this  verse  (45)  of  worldliness  and  laxness 
in  evangelical  enterprise  and  of  oppression 
and  self-indulgence  among  many  professed 
stewards  of  Jesus  Christ?  What  was  the 
great  cry  of  the  early  church  as  it  pushed 
the  evangelization  of  the  world?  (Phil. 
4 :5 ;  Jas.  5  :?,  8 ;  i  Cor.  16 :22,  R.  V.,  mar- 
gin.) Where  was  it  the  unfaithful  servant 
said:  "My  Lord  delayeth  His  coming"? 
Can  one  have  a  head  faith  and  a  heart  un- 
belief in  the  coming  of  the  Lord?  How 
can  we  show  we  have  a  heart  faith  in  it? 
Is  there  any  step  beyond  saying :  "My  Lord 
delayeth  His  coming"?  (2  Peter  3:3,  4.) 
Are  there  any  mockers  in  the  church  saying 
this  today? 

How  first  of  all  did  loss  of  faith  in  the 
near  approach  of  the  Lord  show  itself  in 
the  unfaithful  servant?  For  what  is  that 
a  figure?  Is  there  a  warning  against  this 
anywhere  else  in  the  N.  T.  ?  (i  Peter  5:3.) 
How  in  the  second  place  did  this  loss  of 
faith  show  itself?  Have  these  faults  in  the 
actual  history  of  God's  people  been  seen  in 
those  whom  the  Lord  has  "set  over  His 
household"?  (i  Sam.  2:13-16;  Ezek.  34:3; 
Matt.  7:15;  Acts  20:29;  Titus  1:10,  11;  3 
John  9,  10.) 

How  are  these  unfaithful  stewards  to  be 
brought  to  their  senses?  Will  the  day  of 
Christ's  coming  be  a  joyful  day  for  all  who 
have  been  in  authority  in  His  church? 
What  will  be  done  to  the  unfaithful  ser- 
vant?    With  whom  will  his  lot  be  eternally 


cast?  (Matt.  24:51.)  Why?  (Acts  i  :25.) 
To  whom  may  this  solemn  and  terrific 
warning  be  justly  applied?  (i  Peter  4:10.) 
Why  does  our  Lord  delay  His  coming? 
(2  Peter  3:9.)  Will  all  unfaithful  servants 
be  punished  with  equal  severity?  What 
will  be  the  measure  of  the  punishment? 
Will  ignorance  of  the  will  of  Christ  avail 
to  deliver  one  from  punishment  altogether? 
What  does  the  greatness  of  our  opportuni- 
ties   increase?      (Matt.    11:21-24.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord. 

Coming  back,  36,  40;  may  come  at  any 
moment,  36,  38;  will  come  when  He 
is  not  expected,  39,  40;  the  important 
point  is  that  we  be  ready  whenever 
He  comes,  38;  wishes  His  servants 
to  be  watching  for  His  return,  36; 
will  gloriously  reward  the  faithful  at 
His  coming — (a)  if  we  are  watching 
and  have  girded  ourselves  to  serve 
Him,  He  will  gird  Himself  and  serve 
us,  35,  37;  (b)  if  we  have  been  faith- 
ful in  the  use  of  little  power  and  op- 
portunity He  will  give  us  all  power 
and  opportunity,  42-44;  will  fearfully 
punish  the  unfaithful  at  His  coming, 
45,  46. 

^.     Christ's  servants. 

Should   always   be — Watching   for   His 
coming,   36;    ready   for   His   coming, 
40;    ready  to   open   to    Him   immed- 
iately,  36;    engaged   in   the   work  to 
which  He  has  appointed  them,  43. 
Should  always  have — Their  loins  gird- 
ed, their  lamps  burning,  35. 
Should  never — Say:  "My  Lord   delay- 
eth His  coming,"  exercise  oppression 
over  those  under  their  authority,  prac- 
tice self-indulgence,  45. 
Their   opportunity  and  responsibility— 


180 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Over  Christ's  household,  the  welfare 
of  Christ's  family  in  their  keeping, 
42. 

Their  duty — To  watch,  to  open  to 
Christ  immediately,  36;  to  give  the 
household  their  meat  in  due  season, 
42. 

Their  blessedness— Our  Lord  Himself 
will  make  the  watching  servant  a 
feast  and  serve  him,  37;  dominion 
given  the  faithful  servant  over  all  the 
Lord  hath,  44. 


3.     The  unfaithful  servant. 
(i)     His  theology: 
"My  Lord  delayeth  His  coming,"  45. 

(2)  His  practice: 

Tyranny,  self-indulgence — feeds  him- 
self, 45;  neglect  to  give  the  house- 
hold their  meat,  42,  45. 

(3)  His  destiny: 

Surprised  by  Christ's  unexpected  com- 
ing, driven  into  outer  darkness,  46: 
the  more  light  the  greater  guiit  and 
heavier  punishment,  47,  48. 


LESSON  8L 
One  More  Opportunity.     Luke  13:1-17. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.    Repent  or  perish,  vv.  1-5. 

What  gave  rise  to  Christ's  warning  in 
these  opening  verses?  What  idea  about 
the  Galileans  did  those  who  spoke  to  Christ 
have?  Did  He  say  that  these  Galileans 
were  not  sinners?  Did  He  say  that  the 
suffering  that  befell  them  was  undeserved? 
What  use  did  He  make  of  their  calamity? 
In  the  calamities  that  overtake  men  what 
should  sinners  always  see  (vv.  3,  5)  ?  O^ 
vhose  sins  were  those  who  spoke  to  our 
Lord  thinking?  To  whose  sins  did  He  di- 
rect their  attention?  With  whose  sins 
would  He  have  us  most  occupied?  (Ro. 
14:4,  10,  12.)  With  whose  sins  are 
men  most  prone  to  be  occupied?  Is  there 
any  connection  between  our  sinning  and  our 
sufifering?  (John  5:14;  Matt.  9:2;  i  Cor. 
11:29,  30,  32.)  Is  it  safe  to  infer  from  this 
that  when  men  are  especially  aflflicted  they 
are  especially  sinful?  (Heb.  12:6;  John 
9:2,  3;  Matt.  5:10-12.)  What  did  our  Lord 
say  was  the  only  way  in  which  to  escape  the 
penalty  due  our  sins?  What  is  it  to  repent? 
(Luke  11:32,  compare  Jonah  3:10;  Ezek. 
33:11;   Is.  55:7;   Acts  26:20;   Rev.  2:4,  5; 


9:20,  21.)  Is  sorrow  for  sin  repentance? 
(2  Cor.  7:10.)  From  what  sin  especially 
must  men  repent  if  they  are  to  be  saved? 
(Acts  2:36-38;  3:14,  IS,  19.)  To  whom 
should  repentance  be  preached?  (Acts 
20:21.)  What  will  happen  to  men  if  they 
do  not   repent   (vv.  3,  5)  ? 

Did  the  Jews  as  a  nation  repent?  Did 
they  perish?  (Luke  19:42-44;  21:22-24; 
23:28-30;  Matt.  22:7;  23:3s,  38.)  Did  they 
perish  in  the  way  these  Galileans  did?  Was 
their  blood  mingled  with  their  sacrifices? 
To  what  other  incident  did  our  Lord  refer 
to  enforce  His  teaching  of  repentance? 
Where  did  He  get  His  texts  and  illustra- 
tions? Did  the  Jews  perish  as  the  men  on 
whom  the  tower  in  Siloam  fell  ?  Did  towers 
fall  on  any  of  them  in  the  siege  of  Jerusa- 
lem? 

2.     Bear  fruit  or  he  cut  down,  vv.  6-g. 

Is  it  only  for  positive  sin  that  men  are  to 
be  destroyed?  How  does  our  Lord  bring 
this  out?  Who  is  represented  by  the  man 
who  had  a  fig  tree?  Who  is  represented 
first  of  all  by  the  fig  tree?  (Ps.  80:8-13; 
Is.  5:1-3,  7;  Luke  20:10-13.)  Can  it  be  ap- 
plied to  anyone  besides  the  Jew?  What  was 


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181 


the  owner's  complaint?  Had  he  a  right 
to  expect  fruit?  Has  God  a  right  to  expect 
fruit  from  us?  What  fruit?  (Gal.  5:22, 
23;  Ro.  1:13;  Phil.  4:17;  Col.  1:10.)  What 
was  the  owner's  sentence  upon  the  fruitless 
tree?  What  is  God's  sentence  upon  the 
fruitless  man  or  nation?  (Matt.  3:10;  7:19; 
John  15:2,  6;  15:16,  8.)  By  what  act  in 
His  life  did  our  Lord  teach  the  same  lesson  ? 
(Mark  11:13,  14-  20,  21.)  For  what  pur- 
pose has  He  chosen  His  disciples?  (John 
15:16.)  If  a  tree  in  a  vineyard  does  not 
bear  fruit  what  does  it  do  (v.  7)  ?  If  a 
nation,  a  church,  an  association  or  an  in- 
dividual does  not  bear  fruit  for  God  what 
do  they  do?  In  the  mind  of  God  what  is 
the  thii^g  to  do  with  such?  Is  the  divine 
sentei.ce  of  judgment  to  oe  executed  at 
once?  Why  not?  (2  Peter  3:9.)  Does 
God  always  forewarn  men  of  the  judgments 
to  come  upon  them  and  give  them  space 
for  repentance?  (Gen.  6:3;  2  Peter  2:5; 
2  Chron.  33:10,  11,  etc.)  Who  held  back 
God's  judgment  from  falling  on  fruitless 
Israel?  (Ex.  32:11-13,  30-32;  34:9;  Num. 
14:11-20;  Ps.  106:23.)  Who  stands  be- 
tween us  and  our  merited  doom?  (Heb. 
7:25;  I  John  2:1.) 

How  long  a  space  was  Israel  given  for 
repentance  after  the  warning  in  this  pas- 
sage? Did  they  repent?  What  therefore 
was  done?  What  was  done  with  the  tree 
during  the  year  of  grace  granted  it  ?  What 
is  symbolized  by  this  additional  care? 
What  was  the  added  and  extraordinary 
grace  bestowed  upon  Israel  in  the  time  im- 
mediately preceding  their  judgment?  Is  it 
customary  with  God  to  multiply  means  of 
grace  to  nations  and  communities  and  indi- 
viduals just  preceding  times  of  judgment? 
(Noah  before  the  flood;  Jeremiah,  Isaiah 
and  others  before  the  captivity;  Christ,  the 
apostles  and  Pentecost  before  the  destruc- 


tion of  Jerusalem,  etc.)  Is  this  a  day  of 
especial  grace?  By  what  may  we  expect  it 
to  be  followed?  What  was  to  be  expected 
from  this  added  care  bestowed  upon  the 
tree?  What  is  to  be  expected  from  t-he 
added  and  especial  grace  bestowed  upoH 
men?  What  would  be  the  consequence  if 
the  added  care  did  not  result  in  fruit?  What 
will  be  the  consequence  if  God's  special 
grace  in  the  days  of  His  patient  waiting 
does  not  produce  fruit?  With  what  then 
are  we  to  expect  special  seasons  of  grace 
to  nations,  communities  and  individuals  to 
be  followed  if  they  do  not  bear  fruit  in 
their  lives?  With  what  will  God's  long 
suffering  close  if  it  is  persistently  abused? 
(2  Peter  3:9,  10;  Ro.  2:4,  5.)  If  the 
sinner  abuses  the  special  grace  given  him 
in  the  days  of  God's  long  suffering  pa- 
tience, will  Jesus  Christ  any  longer  take 
his  part?     What  will  He  say  (v.  9)? 

S-  Man's  unmcrcifulness  and  God's 
mercy,  vv.  lo-ij. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  incident  laid? 
What  day  was  it?  What  sight  was  there 
in  the  synagogue  to  awaken  compassion? 
Did  the  sight  awaken  any  compassion  in 
the  heart  of  the  ruler  of  the  synagogue? 
In  whose  heart  did  she  awaken  compassion? 
How  did  He  show  it?  Did  He  do  anything 
besides  speak  to  her?  Could  He  heal  by  a 
mere  word?  Why  did  He  lay  His  hands 
upon  this  woman?  What  was  the  effect  of 
His  words  and  the  laying  on  of  His  hands? 
To  whom  did  she  attribute  her  cure?  How 
would  the  ruler  have  been  affected  if  he 
had  a  heart  of  love  and  compassion?  How 
was  he  affected?  Was  he  a  religious  man? 
Can  a  religious  man  be  an  unmerciful  man? 
Will  that  kind  of  religion  save  one?  For 
what  was  the  ruler  a  stickler?  For  what 
had  he  no  care  whatever?  What  did  our 
Lord  call  him?    What  characteristic  of  our 


182 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


Lord  did  we  see  in  this?  Was  this  rebuke 
too  severe  and  harsh?  By  what  illustra- 
tion did  our  Lord  expose  his  hypocrisy? 
Was  it  jealousy  for  God's  law  or  hatred 
for  Jesus  that  led  to  the  ruler's  protest? 
Do  men  nowadays  ever  cover  up  hatred  for 
some  man  by  the  pretense  of  jealousy  for 
God's  law? 

Who  did  our  Lord  say  had  bound  the 
woman?  Is  sickness  Satan's  work?  Who 
can  loose  every  bond  of  Satan?  (i  John 
3:8.)  What  was  the  effect  of  our  Lord's 
word  upon  His  adversaries?  Upon  the 
people? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     God. 

All  blessings  are  from  His  hand,  all 
glory  should  be  rendered  to  Him, 
13 ;  all  men  are  His  property.  He  ex- 
pects, demands  fruit  from  all  men, 
often  finds  no  fruit,  6,  7;  regards  the 
fruitless  tree  as  an  injury  to  the 
ground,  7;  bears  long  with  sinners, 
3,  5,  8,  9;  warns  men  to  think  of  their 
own  sins  rather  than  those  of  others, 
1-5;  exhorts  men  in  the  calamities  of 
others  to  hear  the  voice  of  warning 
for  themselves,  3,  5 ;  demands  repent- 
ance as  the  universal  condition  of 
salvation,    (a)    repentance  about   sin. 


3,  5 ;  (b)  repentance  about  f  ruitless- 
ness,  8,  9;  in  His  mercy  He  warns 
men  before  He  destroys  them,  grants 
space  for  repentance,  multiplies  grace 
before  He  executes  judgment,  8,  9; 
in  His  severity  He  utterly  destroys 
those  who  despise  mercy,  brings  in 
swift  and  certain  judgment  where 
men  reject  abounding  grace,  3,  5,  9. 

Jesus  Christ. 

Taught  in  the  synagogue,  on  the  Sab- 
bath, 10;  His  compassion,  power  over 
disease,  12,  13;  hatred  of  hypocrisy, 
severity  in  dealing  with  hypocrites, 
IS ;  put  to  shame  all  His  adversaries, 
caused  the  people  to  rejoice,  17. 

The  woman. 
(i)     Her  exalted  position: 

Daughter  of  Abraham,  16. 

(2)  Her  misfortune: 

Had  a  spirit  of  infirmity  eighteen  years, 
was  bowed  together,  could  in  no  wise 
lift  herself  up,  11 ;  no  sympathy  from 
man,  14;  bound  by  Satan,  16. 

(3)  How  she  was  healed : 

Went  to  the  place  of  worship,  11;  met 
our  Lord  there.  He  spoke  to  her,  12; 
He  laid  His  hands  on  her,  she  was 
immediately  made  straight,  glorified 
God  for  her  healing,  13. 


LESSON  82. 


Jesus  Journeying  Toward  Jerusalem.    Luke  13:22-35. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  Are  there  few  that  be  saved?,  vv. 
22-30. 

Where  was  the  scene  of  this  lesson?  The 
time?  (Probably  latter  part  of  January, 
783  A.  U.  C.,  that  is  30  A.  D.,  a  little  more 
than    two    months    before    Christ's    death. 


Robinson's  view  involves  a  date  several 
weeks  later.)  What  was  Jesus  doing?  For 
what  purpose  was  He  going  to  Jerusalem? 
(Compare  9:51.)  What  did  He  do  as  He 
journeyed?  What  ought  we  to  do  as  we  go 
journeying  on?  What  was  Jesus  always 
doing  as  He  went  about?     (Acts  10:38.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


183 


What  question  was  put  to  Jesus  (v.  23)  ? 
Was  the  question  one  of  honest  inquiry  or 
of  speculative  curiosity?  Did  Christ  answer 
the  question?  Why  not?  (Matt.  7:13,  14."* 
Did  He  usually  answer  questions  of  specu- 
lative curiosity?  (John  21:21,  22.)  Are 
there  many  today  who  approach  solemn 
subjects  in  a  similar  light  manner,  not  to 
find  out  practically  how  to  live,  but  to  grat- 
ify mere  speculative  curiosit}',  or  even  to 
get  Christian  teachers  in  a  corner?  How 
ought  we  to  answer  them?  Which  is  more 
important,  that  we  know  how  many  are  to 
be  saved,  or  that  we  know  how  to  be 
saved?  Can  we  know  that?  To  whom  did 
Christ  direct  the  answer  He  gave?  What 
did  He  say  (v.  24)  ?  While  Jesus  did  not 
tell  whether  many  would  be  saved,  what  did 
He  say  about  many?  Are  there  many  to- 
day who  are  not  saved?  Instead  of  specu- 
lating as  to  how  many  of  them  are  to  be 
saved,  what  ought  we  to  do  about  them? 
(Mark  16:15,  16.)  Since  there  were  many 
who  would  seek  to  enter  and  should  not  be 
able,  what  did  Jesus  urge  each  of  His  hear- 
ers to  do?  Which  is  more  important,  that 
we  solve  the  problem  of  how  many  are  to 
be  saved,  or  that  we  see  to  it  that  we  are 
saved  ourselves?  What  is  the  first  word  in 
Christ's  answer?  What  does  "strive" 
mean? 

Does  it  take  earnest  effort  and  conflict 
to  enter  into  the  Kingdom?  (Acts  14:22; 
John  6:27;  I  Cor.  9:24-27;  Phil.  2:12,  13; 
Heb.  4:11;  2  Peter  1:10.)  Conflict  with 
whom?  (Eph.  6:11,  12.)  Can  one  be  "car- 
ried to  the  skies  on  flowery  beds  of  ease"? 
(2  Tim.  3:12.)  Will  the  easy-going  "form 
of  godliness"  so  common  in  churches  ever 
take  one  into  the  Kingdom  of  God?  What 
will  become  of  these  easy-going  religionists 
when  the  Master  rises  up  and  shuts  the 
door?     To  what   is   the  Kingdom  of   God 


compared  in  this  24th  verse?  By  what  sort 
of  door  is  this  beautiful  palace  entered? 
How  narrow  is  this  door?  (Luke  18:13,  14; 
Is.  55:7;  Prov.  28:13;  Luke  18:24;  Matt. 
16:24;  Matt.  5:20;  Ro.  9:32,  33;  10:3; 
John  3:3.)  Is  it  worth  while  to  make  the 
sacrifices  and  efifort  necessary  to  get 
through  this  narrow  door?  (Ro.  8:18.) 
Will  every  one  who  seeks  to  enter  in  suc- 
ceed? Why  not?  (Ro.  9:31,  32;  10:3; 
John  10:1,  2,  9;  Jer.  2:9,  13;  v.  25.)  Is  it 
enough  to  seek?  What  must  we  do?  Are 
we  saved  by  efifort?  (Eph.  2:8.)  Are 
we  saved  without  efifort?  In  what  way 
especially  is  efifort  to  be  put  forth?  (c. 
21:36;  I  Cor.  9:24-27;  Phil.  2:12,  13;  2 
Peter  i  :5-ii.)  Will  the  opportunity  of  en- 
tering always  remain  open  (v.  25)  ?  When 
will  it  end?  (John  8:21;  Matt.  25:10.) 
Is  it  Christ  Himself  who  brings  the  day 
of  opportunity  to  a  close  by  a  decisive 
act?  When  may  the  Lord  of  the  palace 
rise   up   and   shut   the   door? 

Have  we  any  Bible  illustrations  of  shut 
doors?  (Gen.  7:16;  Heb.  12:17;  Matt. 
25:10.)  What  did  Jesus  say  His  hearers 
would  do  when  the  door  was  shut?  Are 
there  any  who  are  careless  and  easy-going 
now  in  this  day  of  opportunity  who  will 
be  anxious  and  eager  when  it  is  too  late? 
Where  will  they  stand?  What  will  they 
say?  What  will  He  say?  Will  not  call- 
ing Him:  "Lord,  Lord"  save  them?  (Matt. 
7:21,  22;  Luke  6:46;  Matt.  25:11,  12.) 
What  claim  for  admission  will  they  ad- 
vance (v.  26)?  Will  the  fact  that  we 
have  eaten  at  Christ's  table,  or  heard  His 
teaching  save  us?  Will  any  merely  out- 
ward connection  with  Christ  save?  What 
do  great  opportunities  bring,  if  abused? 
(]\Iatt.  11:20-24.)  What  shall  He  say  (v. 
27)?  Whom  does  the  Lord  know?  (Ps. 
1:6;  I  Cor.  8:3;  2  Tim.  2:19;  John  10:14; 
compare  John   10:3,  4,  27.) 


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What  will  Christ  bid  those  whom  He 
does  not  know  to  do?  (Compare  Matt. 
25:41.)  What  does  He  call  them?  For 
all  their  seeking  entrance  into  the  King- 
dom, had  they  given  up  their  sins?  Are 
there  any  today  who  are  seeking  entrance 
into  the  Kingdom  without  giving  up  their 
sins?  Will  they  gain  it?  We  must  either 
depart  from  our  sins,  or  depart  from 
whom?  (Rev.  21  :27.)  Does  iniquity  mean 
only  gross  sins?  Has  the  man  who  wishes 
to  hold  on  to  his  sins  and  yet  gain  salva- 
tion a  true  desire  for  salvation?  What 
will  be  the  occupation  of  the  land  to 
which  they  depart  (v.  28)  ?  Is  this  a 
true  picture?  (Compare  Matt.  8:12;  13:42, 
50;  22:13;  24:51;  25:30.)  What  does 
"gnashing  of  teeth"  imply?  (Compare 
Acts  7:54.)  What  would  especially  cause 
them  to  gnash  their  teeth?  Are  there 
any  in  our  day  who  will  weep  and  gnash 
their  teeth  for  a  similar  reason?  From 
whence  would  they  come  to  take  seats  in 
this  kingdom  (v.  29)  ?  Who  will  be  there? 
(John  3:3;  John  1:12;  2  Thess.  i  :8.)  Who 
shall  be  first  (v.  30)  ?  Are  there  any 
first  today  who  shall  be  last  there?  Any 
last  who  shall  be  first?  Is  this  true  of 
nations  as  well  as  individuals? 

2.  "0,  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  zvhich  kill- 
est  the  prophets,"  vv.  31-35. 

What  message  was  brought  to  Jesus  at 
this  time?  Who  brought  it?  Were  the 
Pharisees  really  interested  in  Jesus'  safety? 
What  then  was  their  purpose  in  bringing 
this  message?  (Compare  Neh.  6:9-11; 
Amos  7:12,  13.)  What  was  Jesus'  reply? 
What  characteristics  of  Herod  did  He 
bring  out  by  calling  him  a  fox?  Was  it 
a  true  characterization  of  Herod?  (Com- 
pare 3:19,  20;  9:7-9.)  What  was  the  point 
of    Jesus'    answer   to    Herod?      (Compare 


John  11:8-10.)  What  did  He  mean  by 
the  words,  "I  shall  be  perfected"?  (John 
17:4,  5;  19:30;  Heb.  2:10;  5:9.)  Whither 
was  Jesus  journeying?  Why  was  He  jour- 
neying to  Jerusalem  (v.  33)  ?  What  char- 
acteristics of  Jesus  appear  in  v.  34?  What 
would  naturally  be  His  feeling  toward 
Jerusalem  after  the  way  in  which  Jeru- 
salem had  treated  Him?  Why  did  He 
love  Jerusalem  with  such  patient,  unweary- 
ing love?  Whom  does  He  love  today  with 
the  same  patient,  unwearying  love? 

Do  the  sinner's  sins  destroy  Christ's  will- 
ingness to  save  them?  (i  Tim.  1:15.) 
Does  the  unwillingness  of  sinners  to  be 
saved  destroy  Christ's  willingness  to  save 
them  ?  When  we  thrust  away  His  out- 
stretched arms,  what  does  He  do?  When 
we  say,  "I  will  not,"  what  does  He  say? 
What  had  Jerusalem  already  done  that 
would  have  made  it  just  for  God  to  have 
already  forsaken  her  utterly?  What  did 
Jesus  say  had  been  Jerusalem's  treatment 
of  the  prophets  ?  Was  this  characterization 
of  Jerusalem  just?  (2  Chron.  24:21,  22; 
36:15,  16;  Neh.  9:36;  Jer.  2:30;  26:23; 
compare  Acts  7:52,  59.)  Did  Jesus  on 
any  other  occasion  show  a  like  passionate 
love  for  Jerusalem  in  spite  of  her  multi- 
plied sins?  (c.  19:41,  42;  compare  Matt. 
23:37-39.)  What  did  Jesus  say  had  been 
His  attitude  toward  Jerusalem?  Are  there 
any  utterances  in  the  Old  Testament  sug- 
gestive of  this?  (Deut.  5:29;  32:29;  Is. 
48:17-19;   Ps.  81:10,   13.) 

What  suggested  the  figure  of  a  hen  gath- 
ering her  own  brood  under  her  wings? 
(Compare  Ruth  2:12;  Ps.  17:8;  36:7; 
57:1;  91:4;  Deut.  32:11,  12.)  What  three 
things  does  a  chicken  find  under  its  moth- 
er's wings?  What  do  we  find  under  the 
protecting  wings  of  our  Saviour?  What 
is     contrasted     with     Jesus',     "I     would"? 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


185 


(Compare  John  5:40;  Neh.  9:30;  Ps.  81  :ii; 
Prov.  1:24-30;  Jer.  6:16;  T.22i,  24;  44:4-6; 
Matt.  22:3.)  Is  it  ever  true  today  that 
while  Jesus  "would"  men  "will  not"  ?  Why 
is  anyone  today  without  life,  safety,  rest 
and  warmth?  What  will  be  the  result  of 
Jerusalem  refusing  to  be  gathered?  (Com- 
pare c.  21  :5,  6.)  Had  the  desolation  of 
Jerusalem  because  of  its  persistent  dis- 
obedience to  God  ever  been  prophesied? 
(Lev.  26:31,  32;  Is.  64:10,  11;  Dan.  9:26, 
27;  IMicah  3:12.)  What  will  be  result 
to  the  individual  soul  that  persistently  re- 
fuses to  be  gathered  under  the  protecting 
wings  of  Christ?  How  desolate  will  it 
be  left?  While  Jesus  pronounced  doom 
upon  Jerusalem,  did  He  utter  the  words 
in  anger  or  in  pity?  Is  justice  any  the 
less  awful  when  it  has  so  much  pity  in  it? 
Was  the  time  ever  coming  when  the  Jews 
as  a  nation  would  see  Jesus  again?  When 
would  that  time  be?  (Compare  Zech.  12:9- 
13:1;  14:1-21;  Ro.  11:25-29.)  Did  the 
Jews  at  any  time  during  Christ's  life  here 
on  earth  say  regarding  Him :  "Blessed  is 
He  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord?" 
(Matt.  21  :9.)  Is  this  the  time  to  which 
Jesus  refers  in  this  verse? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

T.     Jesus   Christ. 
(i)      His   nature: 
Divine,  34  compare  Ps.  91:1,  4;  human, 
31,  32,  Z2>- 


(2)  His    character : 

Tender,  34;  compassionate,  34;  un- 
wearying, 34;  stern,  27,  34;  fearless, 
32;  persistent,  33. 

(3)  His  work: 

Taught,  22,  26;  cast  out  devils,  32; 
healed  the  sick,  32;  protected,  34; 
cherished,  34;  gave  rest,  34;  judges, 
25-30. 

(4)  His  coming  again,  35. 
The    Jezvs. 

Enjoyed  unusual  privileges,  22,  26,  28, 
30,  34;  despised  the  privileges  they 
enjoyed,  25-30,  34;  refused  the  fre- 
quent calls  of  their  Saviour,  34; 
would  not,  when  Jesus  would,  34; 
killed  the  prophets,  34;  stoned  those 
sent  unto  them,  34;  shut  out  of  the 
Kingdom,  28;  though  first  in  privi- 
lege, last  in  the  Kingdom,  30. 

Hoiv  to  be  saved. 

Requires  earnest  effort  and  conflict,  24; 
the  door  narrow,  24;  many  shall  seek 
to  enter  and  not  be  able,  24;  to 
enter  we  must  put  forth  effort  before 
the  door  is  shut,  25 ;  merely  hearing 
the  teaching  of  Jesus  not  enough, 
26;  all  who  will  not  depart  from 
iniquity  now  must  depart  from  Jesus 
hereafter,  27;  just  tome  to  Jesus 
and  find  safety,  comfort,  rest  under 
His  wings,  34. 


LESSON  83. 

The  True  Way  to  Keep  the  Sabbath.     Luke  14:1-6;  Isaiah  58:13,  14. 

them  when  they  came  from  other  than  the 
respectable  classes?  (5:29.)  When  He 
accepted  these  invitations  how  did  He  in- 
variably improve  the  opportunity  thus 
afforded  Him?  Ought  Christians  to  accept 
invitations  to  dine  and  to  social  gatherings 
given   by  people   who   are   not   Christians? 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  way  our  Lord  kept  the  Sabbath, 
14:1-6. 

How  did  our  Lord  come  to  be  at  the 
Pharisee's  house  to  eat?  Did  He  usually 
accept  invitations  to  social  gatherings  and 
to    eat?      (7:36;    11:37-)      Did    He    accept 


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If  they  are  to  follow  the  example  of  Christ 
what  use  should  they  make  of  such  occa- 
sions ?  Were  the  Pharisees  friendly  to  our 
Lord?  What  was  this  man's  object  in  in- 
viting Him?  For  wkat  purpose  were  they 
watching  Him?  (67;  11:53,  54;  20:20.) 
Did  they  meet  with  very  much  success  in 
their  attempt  to  find  something  to  condemn 
in  Him?  Are  there  any  today  who  watch 
eagerly  for  something  to  condemn  in  our 
Lord?  Do  they  succeed  in  finding  it?  Is 
there  any  purpose  for  which  it  is  right  for 
us  to  watch  Him? 

Upon  what  day  of  the  week  was  it  that 
our  Lord  accepted  this  invitation  to  dine? 
Does  that  throw  any  light  upon  the  proper 
observance  of  the  Sabbath?  Did  He  make 
this  Sabbath  dinner  merely  a  time  for  idle 
talk  or  of  religious  instruction?  Does  thrt 
throw  any  light  upon  the  proper  observance 
of  the  Sabbath?  Who  especially  attracted 
His  attention  on  this  occasion?  Why?  In 
whom  was  our  Lord  always  especially  inter- 
ested? How  did  the  dropsical  man  come  to 
be  there?  Was  there  any  help  for  him  in 
man?  What  two  reasons  were  there  why  it 
would  do  him  no  good  to  seek  help  from  the 
Pharisees?  What  two  words  in  v.  2  show 
that  there  -was  hope  for  him  though  the 
Pharisees  could  not  help  him  if  they  would 
and   would    not    help    him    if    they   could? 

Whom  did  the  lawyers  and  Pharisees 
imagine  was  on  trial?  Who  were  really  on 
trial?  Why  does  the  record  say:  "Jesus, 
answering,  spake" — had  they  asked  any 
questions?  (Mark  2:6,  8;  Luke  6:7-9.) 
How  did  our  Lord  know  their  thoughts? 
What  question  does  He  put  to  the  lawyers 
and  Pharisees?  What  did  they  answer? 
What  did  they  think?  Why  didn't  they  say 
so  then?  (Matt.  21:25-27;  22:46.)  Had 
this   question  ever  come  up  before  in  the 


controversies  between  our  Lord  and  the 
Pharisees?  (6:9;  13:14-16;  Matt.  12:10.) 
What  three  things  did  He  do  for  the  man? 
What  does  "Let  him  go"  mean?  (13:12 — 
"loosed,"  same  Greek  word.)  Who  was  it 
had  bound  the  man?  (13:16;  Acts  10:38.) 
Whose  work  was  our  Lord  undoing?  (i 
John  3:8.)  Is  it  a  proper  use  of  the  Sab- 
bath to  undo  Satan's  work? 

By  what  argument  did  our  Lord  show 
them  the  folly  of  their  position?  Did  He 
use  similar  argument  on  any  other  occa- 
sion? ('13:15;  6:9;  Matt.  12:11,  12.)  Why 
was  it  they  were  ready  to  help  an  ass  or  an 
ox  out  of  a  pit,  but  not  to  lift  a  man  out  of 
Satan's  power,  on  the  Sabbath?  Are  there 
any  today  who  care  more  for  cattle  than 
for  men,  and  who  would  work  on  the  Sab- 
bath to  save  their  cattle  but  who  when 
they  are  called  upon  to  exert  themselves 
upon  the  Sabbath  to  save  perishing  men 
plead  the  necessity  of  Sabbath  rest?  Ac- 
cording to  our  Lord's  argument  and  prac- 
tice what  is  a  proper  use  of  the  Sabbath? 

Why  did  not  the  lawyers  and  Pharisees 
reply  to  our  Lord?  (13:17;  20:26,  40.) 
Can  we  have  a  similar  power  to  silence  and 
put  to  shame  the  enemies  of  the  truth  and 
of  Christ?     (21:15;  Acts  6:10.) 

2.  The  zvay  God  wished  the  lews  to 
keep  the  Sabbath,  Is.  58:13,  H- 

What  did  God  desire  the  Jews  to  turn 
from  on  the  Sabbath  day?  Whose  pleas- 
ure did  He  wish  them  to  do?  Whose 
words  did  He  wish  them  to  refrain  from? 
Whose  words  did  He  wish  them  to  speak? 
Where  will  we  find  those  -words?  (l 
Thess.  2:13.)  How  did  He  wish  them  to 
regard  the  Sabbath  ?  How  do  many  regard 
it?  Why  is  the  Sabbath  properly  observed 
a  weariness  to  many?  What  is  it  to  the 
man    who    knows    and    loves    God?      (Ps. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


187 


27:4;  84:2,  10.)  Of  what  then  is  the  way 
in  which  a  man  regards  the  Sabbath  a  test? 
What  did  God  wish  them  to  do  with  the 
Sabbath?  How?  What  would  be  the 
threefold  result  of  regarding  and  treating 
the  Sabbath  as  God  wished  them?  What 
made  it  absolutely  certain  that  this  would 
be  the  result?  How  sure  are  the  promises 
of  God?  (Matt.  24:35.)  Was  the  Sab- 
bath in  its  essential  idea  intended  for  the 
Jew  alone?  (Mark  2:27.)  Do  the  same 
general  principles  govern  a  proper  observ- 
ance of  the  Lord's  Day  as  governed  a 
proper  observance  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath? 
Will  God  bless  a  due  regard  for  the  Lord's 
Day  as  He  promised  to  bless  a  due  regard 
for  the  Sabbath? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 
(i)     His  nature: 
His    deity — (a)    divine    knowledge,    3, 
(b)  divine  power,  4;  His  humanitv,  i. 
(2)     What  He  did: 
Accepted   invitations   to    social   gather- 
ings even  on  the  Sabbath  day,   1-3; 
improved  the  occasion  by  imparting 
religious    instruction,   3-5;    read    and 
answered   men's    unspoken   thoughts, 
3;    silenced   His   opponents,   3,  4,   6; 
had  compassion  on  the  suffering,  3,  5 ; 
set  Satan's  captives  free,  4. 
3.     The  Sabbath. 

(i)     What  not  to  do  on  the  Sabbath: 


Our  own  pleasure,  our  own  ways,  our 
own  words.  Is.  58:13;  let  men  or 
beasts  suffer,  Luke  14:3-5. 

(2)  What  to  do  on  the  Sabbath : 
Improve    every   occasion   as    our    Lord 

did,  1-6;  perform  acts  of  mercy  to 
man,  3,  4 ;  and  beast,  5 ;  undo  Satan's 
work,  4. 

(3)  What  to  do  regarding  it: 

Honor  it,  call  it  a  delight,  honorable, 
Is.  58:13. 

(4)  Result  of  its  proper  observance : 
Joy  in  the  Lord,  exaltation  in  the  earth, 

abundant  supply  of  needs,  a  glorious 
heritage.  Is.  58:14. 
S.     The  man  which  had  the  dropsy. 
(i)     His  condition: 
Sick  unto  death,  no   help   in   man,   no 
sympathy  from  man,  2,  3. 
(2)     What  happened  to  him: 
Brought  before  our  Lord,  2;   He  had 
compassion  on  him,  took  him,  healed 
him,  loosed  him  from  Satan's  power, 


The  Pharisees. 

Hated  our  Lord,  laid  in  wait  for  Him, 
played  the  hypocrite  to  catch  Him,  t  ; 
could  not  help  the  dropsical  man  if 
they  would,  and  would  not  if  they 
could,  2-4;  would  work  on  the  Sab- 
bath to  save  cattle  but  not  to  save 
men,  4,  5 ;  silenced  by  our  Lord,  4,  6. 

LESSON  84. 
How  to  Find  Honor  Here  and  Recompense  Hereafter.    Luke  14:7-14. 

addressed  ?  Why  did  our  Lord  teach  them 
these  things  ?  How  did  He  know  that  they 
needed  this  teaching?  Does  He  mark  how 
we  conduct  ourselves  at  social  and  other 
gatherings?  What  about  their  conduct  did 
He  especially  note?  Was  it  characteristic 
of  those  times  for  men  to  squabble  for  the 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     The  path  to  honor,  7-11. 

What  in  V.  7  indicates  that  we  are  to 
look  for  some  deeper  spiritual  meaning  in 
the  following  verses  than  the  mere  teaching 
as  to  our  conduct  in  social  life  that  lies  on 
the  surface?    To  whom  were  these  words 


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STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR    LORD 


places  of  honor?  (11:43;  20:46.)  Do  we 
ever  see  anything  of  that  in  our  modern 
Christianized  society?  Do  we  ever  see 
anything  of  it  in  the  church  of  Christ?  Is 
it  as  excusable  in  us  as  it  was  in  those 
Jews?     Why  not?     (Phil.  2:5-8.) 

What  did  our  Lord  tell  them  they  should 
not  do?  Why  not?  What  would  be  the 
probable  result  of  inviting  one's  self  to  the 
place  of  honor?  Is  this  good  advice  to  fol- 
low in  its  literal  sense?  Has  it  any  applica- 
tion beyond  its  literal  sense?  (v.  11;  Phil. 
2:3,  6,  7;  Matt.  18:4.)  Was  this  teaching 
in  its  literal  application  original  with  our 
Lord?  (Prov.  25:6,  7.)  Was  the  deeper 
meaning  and  application  original  with  Him? 
Are  any  other  instances  recorded  in  which 
He  took  current  proverbial  teaching  and 
gave  it  a  new  and  deeper  meaning? 

What  did  He  tell  them  they  should  do? 
(R.  V.)  Which  place?  How  were  they  to 
make  it  absolutely  sure  that  they  got  quite 
low  enough?  Is  this  good  advice  to  follow 
in  its  more  literal  applications?  Suppose 
one  should  happen  to  get  a  lower  place  than 
he  rightly  deserved?  Why  is  it  that  we  are 
not  often  bidden  by  the  Lord  to  come  up 
higher  than  the  place  we  have  picked  out 
for  ourselves  at  His  table?  What  goes  be- 
fore honor?     (Prov.  15:33.) 

What  is  our  Lord's  far-reaching  inter- 
pretation of  His  own  apparently  common- 
place parable?  Is  that  a  commonplace 
truth?  What  evidence  have  we  of  its  vast 
importance  in  God's  sight?  (18:14;  Matt. 
23:12;  Ps.  18:27;  138:6;  Prov.  15:33; 
29:23;  Is.  2:11,  17;  57:15;  Jas.  4:6;  I 
Peter  5:5.)  Is  there  any  other  reason  be- 
sides its  importance  why  this  truth  is  so 
often  repeated  in  the  Word  of  God?  If  we 
wish  to  be  set  on  high  what  must  we  do? 
If  we  set  ourselves  on  high  what  then? 
Are  there  any  exceptions  to  this  principle? 


2.  The  path  to  heavenly  recompense, 
12-14. 

Having  taught  the  guests  a  needed  lesson, 
to  whom  did  our  Lord  next  address  Him- 
self? If  we  invite  Him  to  be  a  guest  with 
us,  in  what  way  may  we  be  sure  He  will 
always  repay  us?  What  did  He  tell  His 
host  that  he  should  not  do?  Why  not? 
Why  ought  we  not  to  seek  our  recompenses 
in  "the  life  that  now  is"?  (Matt.  6:1-4, 
16-18.)  Ought  we  to  regret  it  when  we  get 
no  recompense  here  for  the  good  we  do? 
Of  what  may  we  be  confident?  In  whom 
have  we  an  illustration  of  one  who  does  not 
invite  the  rich  to  His  banquets?  (i:S3; 
Matt.  11:5.)  Is  this  the  method  of  the 
world?  (Prov.  14:20.)  Does  the  profess- 
ing church  follow  Christ's  method  or  the 
world's?  (Jas.  2:1-6.)  Does  v.  12,  taken 
in  exact  literalness,  absolutely  prohibit  an 
interchange  of  hospitalities  and  courtesies? 
Where  does  it  tell  us  to  look  for  our  guests 
in  our  more  elaborate  feasts?  In  a  world 
where  there  is  so  much  want  and  misery  to 
relieve  ought  a  follower  of  Jesus  Christ  to 
spend  much  time  in  the  mere  entertain- 
ment of  those  who  have  no  need? 

What  did  He  tell  His  host  he  should  do? 
Is  this  intended  to  be  taken  literally?  How 
are  those  upon  whom  we  are  to  bestow  our 
hospitalities  characterized?  Who  is  re- 
corded in  this  same  chapter  as  inviting 
these  very  same  classes  to  His  feast? 
(v.  21.)  In  whose  footsteps  then  will  we 
be  following  if  we  obey  this  injunction? 

What  did  our  Lord  say  would  be  the  re- 
sult if  he  invited  these  classes?  Are  there 
elsewhere  in  the  Bible  promises  of  blessed- 
ness to  those  who  are  generous  to  the  poor? 
(Prov.  19:17;  Is.  58:7,  8,  10,  II.)  What 
reason  did  our  Lord  give  why  he  should  be 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


blessed?  Do  men  regard  it  as  an  especially 
blessed  thing  when  those  to  whom  they 
show  kindness  cannot  recompense  them? 
Why  does  He  say  it  is  a  blessed  thing? 
Which  is  better,  to  be  recompensed  now  in 
this  life  or  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just? 

CLASSIFICATION     OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Our  Lord. 

Marks  men's  behavior,  7;  always  on 
the  watch  for  opportunities  to  teach 
the  truth  of  the  kingdom,  found  the 
text  for  His  teaching  in  the  most 
commonplace  passing  events,  7,  12; 
put  new  meaning  into  familiar  prov- 
erbs, adapted  His  teaching  to  each 
hearer's  peculiar  need,  7-1 1,  12-14; 
taught  truths  of  which  He  Himself 
was  the  most  amazing  illustration — 
(a)  humility,  7-11,  (b)  all-absorbing 
consideration  for  the  poor,  12-14; 
repays  those  who  invite  Him  to 
their  homes  by  teaching  them  the 
way  of  blessedness,  recompenses 
those  who  bestow  their  bounties 
upon  those  who  cannot  themselves 
recompense,  12-14;  took  the  lowest 
place  and  God  called  Him  up  to  the 
highest  place,  10,  11  (Phil.  2:6-11); 
invites  to  His  feast  the  poor,  maimed, 
lame,  bhnd,  13,  21. 


2.  Man. 

His  need  of  circumspection  seen  in  the 
fact  that  Christ  marks  what  he 
does,   7; 

His  pride  seen  in  his  seeking  the  chief 
seats,  7; 

His  selfishness  seen  in  his  bestowing 
his  bounties  upon  those  who  can 
repay,  12; 

His  only  road  to  exaltation — self-abase- 
ment, II, 

3.  Four  paths. 

(i)     The  path  to  honor: 
Take  the  lowest  place,  10,  11. 

(2)  The  path  to  heavenly  blessedness: 
Seek  not  the  recompenses  of  the  rich, 

but  minister  to   the   poor,   expecting 
nothing  in  return,  12-14. 

(3)  The  path  to  shame: 
Take  the  high  chief  seats,  8,  9. 

(4)  The  path  to  future  emptiness : 
Minister  to  those  from  whom  you  ex- 
pect a  recompense,  12. 

4.  The  spirit  of  Christ  in  social  life. 

If  you   are   a  guest  take   the   lowliest 

place,  10; 
If  you  are  the  host  invite  to  your  feast 

the  poor,  maimed,  lame,  blind,  13. 


LESSON  85. 
Man's  Excuses.     Luke  14:15-24. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  Despising  God's  gracious  invitation, 
15-21. 

What  gave  rise  to  this  parable  (v.  15)  ? 
What  is  the  connection  between  this  parable 
and  this  utterance?  What  does  the  "great 
supper"  symbolize?  Why  is  the  kingdom  of 
God  represented  as  a  supper?  What  kind 
of  a  supper?     How  great  a  supper? 


Who  were  "the  many"  who  were  first 
bidden?  (Matt.  21:23,  3i ;  22:3,  6,  7;  Acts 
13  :4s,  46,  47.)  What  is  represented  by  the 
two  invitations  of  v.  16  and  v.  17?  To 
whom  was  it  that  the  invitation — "Come, 
for  all  things  are  now  ready"  went  forth? 
(Gal.  4:4,  5;  Matt.  3:2;  Mark  1:14,  iS-) 
When  was  the  preliminary  invitation  to 
the  Jews  given?     (Matt.  11:12,  13.)     What 


190 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF   OUR  LORD 


was  all  the  invited  guests  in  the  final  invita- 
tion had  to  do?  What  is  all  any  one  has  to 
do  to  enjoy  the  blessings  that  Christ  offers? 
(Is.  55  :i;  Matt.  11:28;  John  6:35;  Rev. 
22:17.) 

How  should  we  suppose  this  invitation 
would  be  received?  How  was  it  received? 
How  should  we  suppose  that  all  God's  in- 
vitations of  wondrous  grace  would  be  re- 
ceived? How  are  they  received,  as  a  rule? 
Why  is  it  that  men  treat  God's  loving 
invitation  in  this  way?  (Jer.  17:9;  Ro. 
8:7;  2  Cor.  4:3,  4.)  What  did  the  invited 
guests  do  with  remarkable  unanimity? 
What  do  men  usually  do  today  when  the 
Gospel  invitation  is  made  to  them?  When 
an  unparalleled  offer  is  made  to  a  man, 
what  is  the  only  wise  thing  to  do? 

What  was  the  plea  the  first  man  made  for 
not  accepting  the  invitation?  Why  was 
there  no  need  of  haste  in  going  to  see  the 
property?  Do  men  usually  buy  property 
first  and  go  to  see  it  afterwards?  Why  did 
he  give  such  an  absurd  excuse?  Are  there 
many  who  are  kept  from  accepting  God's 
invitation  by  their  property?  (18:23; 
2  Tim.  4:10.)  What  will  be  the  end  of  the 
man  who  makes  his  property  an  excuse  for 
not  coming  to  Christ?  (i  Tim.  6:9.)  Of 
whom  is  he  an  imitator?  (Heb.  12:16.) 
Why  is  God's  invitation  of  far  greater  im- 
portance than  all  earthly  possessions?  (l 
John  2:17.)  Did  the  man  who  gave  the 
supper  excuse  the  invited  guest  who  so 
lightly  treated  his  invitation  (v.  21)  ?  Does 
God  excuse  men  who  slight  His  invitations 
and  then  urge  their  paltry  reasons? 

What  plea  did  the  second  man  urge  for 
not  accepting  the  invitation?  Are  there 
many  who  allow  themselves  to  be  kept 
from  accepting  Christ's  invitation  by  the 
demands  of  business?  (Matt.  13:22.) 
Couldn't   he   have   attended   the    feast   first 


and  proven  the  oxen  which  were  already 
his  afterwards?  Do  men  usually  prove 
oxen  at  supper  time?  Are  the  excuses 
which  men  make  today  for  not  accepting 
Christ's  invitation  as  trivial  as  this?  What 
is  the  true  order  as  to  the  invitations  of 
God  and  the  demands  of  business?  (Matt. 
6:33.) 

What  was  the  third  man's  excuse?  Are 
there  many  who  are  kept  away  from  Christ 
by  domestic  ties  or  by  the  love  of  some  god- 
less woman?  Is  the  man  wise  who  allows 
himself  to  be  kept  from  Christ  by  such  ties  ? 
(Matt.  10:37;  Mark  10:29,  3°;  i  Cor.  7:29- 
31.)  According  to  the  Mosaic  law  from 
what  would  the  fact  of  his  having  recently 
married  have  excused  him?  (Deut.  24:5.) 
Would  it  be  a  suflficient  reason  for  not  at- 
tending a  feast? 

Do  those  who  refuse  the  Gospel  invita- 
tion on  such  grounds  understand  to  what 
they  are  summoned?  Which  is  the  most 
respectful  in  its  tone  of  these  three 
answers?  Which  the  least  respectful? 
Were  any  of  the  excuses  sufficient?  How 
many  of  the  excuses  which  men  make  today 
for  not  coming  to  Christ  are  sufficient? 
Were  any  of  these  men  kept  away  by  any- 
thing which  was  in  itself  sinful?  Is  there 
any  reason  in  that? 

Where  were  all  these  excuses  reported? 
Where  will  all  the  excuses  we  make  be  re- 
ported? How  will  they  sound  to  God? 
How  can  we  test  how  our  excuses  sound  to 
Him?  How  did  the  master  of  the  house 
feel  about  these  excuses?  What  is  that 
meant  to  teach?  Why  was  he  angry?  How 
did  he  show  his  anger?  How  will  God 
show  His  anger  at  those  who  despise  His 
gracious  invitations?  (v.  24;  Acts  13:46; 
Matt.  21 :43.)  Will  God's  feast  lack  guests 
because  some  despise  it? 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


191 


2.  Accepting  God's  gracious  invitation, 
21-24. 

Where  did  the  host  now  send  for  his 
guests?  If  he  had  followed  the  plan  of  some 
of  our  modern  churches  what  would  he 
have  done  to  fill  his  house  instead  of  send- 
ing to  the  poor,  etc.  ?  Who  are  represented 
by  those  who  are  in  the  streets  and  lanes  of 
the  city?  (iS:i;  19:2,  9,  10;  Matt.  21:31.) 
What  was  the  command  regarding  them 
given  the  servant?  Why  quickly?  What 
does  this  teach  as  to  where  the  ministers  of 
Christ  should  go?  As  to  whom  they  are  to 
go?  As  to  how  they  are  to  go?  Who  was 
the  servant  to  bring  in?  Was  that  the  class 
that  rich  men  were  wont  to  invite  to  their 
homes?  Whom  does  it  represent?  Who  is 
it  then  that  God  bids  to  His  feast?  (Matt. 
11:5,  28;  9:13;  Luke  19:10;  I  Tim.  1:15.) 
What  is  it,  according  to  this  verse,  that 
should  recommend  a  man  to  the  considera- 
tion of  a  servant  of  Christ  and  lead  him  to 
extend  an  invitation  to  God's  feast  to  him? 

What  did  the  servant  do?  Have  all  pro- 
fessed ministers  of  Christ  done  as  they  are 
commanded  along  this  line?  Was  there 
any  room  left?  What  does  that  indicate  as 
to  heaven?     (John  14:2;  Rev.  7:4-9.) 

Was  the  master  satisfied  as  long  as  the 
feast  was  not  full  ?  What  are  we  taught  by 
that?  Where  was  the  servant  sent?  Who 
are  represented  by  those  in  the  highways 
and  hedges?  (Acts  13:46,  47;  Ro.  ii:ii.) 
What  is  the  practical  lesson  for  the  Chris- 
tian worker  today  in  this  commission? 
What  suggestion  as  to  the  way  in  which 
to  fill  empty  churches?  Is  it  by  adding  at- 
tractions to  draw  the  rich  who  despise 
the  Gospel  invitation?  Where  can  we  al- 
ways find  guests  for  God's  table  who  will 
gladly  listen  to  the  invitation  which  the 
rich  and  full  despise?  (Mark  12:37;  Luke 
15:1.)     What  is  taught  by  the  use  of  the 


phrase  "Compel  them  to  come  in"?  (2 
Cor.  5:11,  20;  6:1;  Col.  1:28;  2  Tim.  4:2.) 
Was  the  reluctance  to  come  to  the  feast, 
which  was  to  be  overcome  in  the  case  of 
these  poor  outcasts,  the  same  as  that  of 
the  three  in  vv.  18-20?  According  to  this 
parable  what  constitutes  fitness  for  a  place 
at  God's  great  feast?  Why  did  the  man 
say  that  he  wished  his  servant  to  compel 
them  to  come  in?  What  then  is  God  de- 
termined to  have?  Will  His  house  be 
full?  Suppose  one  nation  despises  His 
invitations?  What  is  Christ's  sentence  re- 
garding those  who  scorn  His  invitations? 
Is  there  any  hope  held  out  here  for  those 
who  refuse  Christ's  invitations  in  this  life? 
(John  8:21.)  What  then  is  the  only  wise 
thing  to  do?  When  should  we  accept  it? 
(2  Cor.  6:2;  Prov.  27:1;  29:1.) 

CLASSIFICATION     OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

Has  made  a  great  supper  and  bidden 
many,  16;  sends  His  servants  at  sup- 
per time  to  say  to  them  that  were 
bidden:  "Come,"  17;  will  accept  no 
excuses,  18-20;  is  angry  with  those 
who  refuse  His  invitation  of  mercy, 
invites  the  poor,  maimed,  halt  and 
blind,  21 ;  sends  His  servants  out 
into  the  highways  and  hedges  to  com- 
pel them  to  come  in,  23;  excludes 
all  those  who  treat  His  invitation 
with  contempt,  24. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 

His  wisdom  as  a  teacher,  15-24;  His 
compassion  on  the  unfortunate 
masses,  21. 

3.  The  kingdom  of  God. 

A  great  feast,  many  bidden,  16;  those 
first  bidden  refuse  to  come,  make 
foolish  excuses,  18-20;  the  poor, 
maimed,  halt  and  blind  urged  to 
come,     accept     the     invitation,     21; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


when  the  kingdom  was  refused  by 
the  Jews  it  was  offered  to  the  Gen- 
tiles, 23;  none  of  those  who  refused 
the  invitation  shall  enter,  24. 

The  Gospel  invitation. 

An  invitation  to  a  great  feast  and  not 
to  a  funeral,  16;  extended  by  God's 
servants,  17;  received  with  contempt 
by  many,  18-20 ;  then  extended  to  the 
poor,  maimed,  halt  and  blind,  21 ; 
imperative,    21 ;    should   be    extended 


with  compulsory  earnestness,  23;  is 
withdrawn  from  those  who  do  not 
appreciate  it,  24. 

Excuses. 

Are  made  with  one  consent  by  those 
invited  to  the  Gospel  feast,  18;  ap- 
pear reasonable  at  first  sight,  but 
upon  examination  are  found  to  be 
utterly  absurd,  18-20;  awaken  God's 
intense  displeasure,  21 ;  shut  men  out 
of  the  kingdom,  24. 


LESSON  86. 
Conditions  of  Discipleship.     Luke  14:25-35. 

love  from  us  all?  How  must  we  regard 
even  our  own  life  if  we  are  to  be  His 
disciples?  In  whom  have  we  an  illustra- 
tion of  this?     (Acts  20:24.) 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 

J.     The  first  condition  of  discipleship,  vv. 


25,  26. 

How  was  the  popularity  of  our  Lord  at 
this  time  shown?  Did  the  multitudes  realize 
what  was  involved  in  a  true  following  of 
Him?  What  did  the  sight  of  the  multitudes 
and  the  realization  of  their  motives  lead 
Him  to  do?     (John  6:26,  etc.) 

How  did  He  dampen  their  ardor?  In 
comparison  with  the  love  we  bear  to  Him 
what  must  be  our  attitude  even  toward 
those  who  are  dear  to  us  by  natural  ties? 
Does  discipleship  of  our  Lord  really  lessen 
our  love  for  those  who  are  dear  to  us  by 
natural  ties?  (Eph.  5:25,  28-31;  6:1-4.) 
What  then  did  our  Lord  mean  by  sfiying 
that  in  order  to  be  His  disciple  one  must 
"hate"  his  own  father,  etc.?  (Matt.  10:37; 
Phil.  3:7,  8;  Ps.  73:2s,  26;  Deut.  33:9; 
13  :6-8.)  Is  the  word  "hate"  used  anywhere 
else  in  the  Bible  in  contrast  with  the  word 
"love"  as  setting  forth  an  immeasurably  less 
attachment?  (Gen.  29:30,  31;  Deut.  21:15; 
Mai.  1:2,  3;  John  12:25;  Ro.  9:13-)  Who 
must  be  the  supreme  object  of  the  Chris- 
tian's affections?  Who  must  our  Lord  be 
if  He  has  a  right  to  demand  this  supreme 


2.  The  second  condition  of  discipleship, 
vv.  27-32. 

What  did  our  Lord  say  was  the  second 
condition  of  discipleship?  What  was  the 
cross  literally?  What  is  meant  by  our 
cross?  Is  there  always  shame  and  suffer- 
ing in  the  path  of  loyalty  to  God  and  duty? 
(2  Tim.  3:12;  Acts  14:22.)  How  only  can 
we  avoid  shame  and  suffering?  If  we  are 
disloyal  in  any  matter  to  Jesus  Christ  in 
order  to  escape  shame  and  suffering,  what 
are  we  refusing  to  bear?  In  that  case  what 
can  we  not  be  ?  Whose  cross  must  each  one 
of  us  bear  (v.  27,  R.  V.)  ?  What  must  we 
do  beside  bearing  our  cross?  What  is 
meant  by  "coming  after"  Christ?  Does  it 
pay  to  follow  Him?  (John  12:26.)  Did 
our  Lord  state  the  same  conditions  of  dis- 
cipleship anywhere  else?  (Luke  9:23-25; 
Matt.  10:38;  16:24-26;  Mark  8:34-37.)  Have 
we  any  illustration  in  the  Gospel  histories 
of  one  who  refused  to  take  up  his  cross  and 
follow  Christ?    (Mark  10:21.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 


193 


What  would  our  Lord  have  every  one  do 
before  undertaking  to  become  His  disciple 
(vv.  28-32)  ?  Do  any  ever  start  out  to  be 
disciples  of  our  Lord  without  counting  the 
cost?  What  do  they  bring  upon  themselves? 
Did  any  one  in  the  Bible  beside  our  Lord 
insist  upon  the  necessity  of  counting  the 
cost?  (Josh.  24:19-24;  I  Thess.  3:4.)  Did 
He  insist  upon  it  on  any  other  occasion? 
(Matt.  8:20;  10:22;  20:22,  23.)  Where 
have  we  any  illustration  in  the  Bible  of  one 
who  began  to  build  in  the  Christian  life  and 
was  not  able  to  finish?  (Matt.  27:3-8.) 
What  is  God's  attitude  toward  the  man 
that  draws  back  and  is  unable  to  finish? 
(Heb.  10:38.)  In  urging  people  to  accept 
Him  ought  we  to  present  to  them  anything 
beside  that  which  is  gained  by  Christian  dis- 
cipleship? 

J.  The  third  condition  of  discipleship, 
vv.  33-35- 

What  does  our  Lord  state  to  be  the  third 
condition  of  discipleship?  What  is  the 
force  of  the  word  "forsaketh"?  (See  R. 
v.;  literally,  "biddeth  farewell  to.")  To 
how  much  must  we  bid  farewell  if  we 
would  be  Christ's  disciples?  Have  you  said 
your  adieus  to  all  that  you  have,  and  are 
you  ready  to  leave  it  at  any  moment?  What 
place  must  our  Lord  occupy  in  the  heart  of 
the  true  disciple?  Have  we  any  illustrations 
of  those  who  forsook  all  and  followed 
Him?  (s:ii,  28;  Phil.  3-7,  8.)  Of  those 
who  would  not  forsake  all  to  follow  Him? 
(18:22,    23;    Acts    5:1-5;    8:19-22;    2    Cor. 


4:10.)  Does  it  pay  to  forsake  all  to  follow 
Him?     (18:28-30.  ) 

To  what  does  our  Lord  compare  a  true 
disciple  in  v.  34?  What  may  salt  lose? 
What  may  the  disciple  lose?  What  is  salt 
good  for  after  it  has  lost  its  savor?  What 
is  a  Christian  good  for  after  he  has  lost  his 
savor?  What  is  salt  fit  for  after  it  has  lost 
its  savor?  What  do  men  do  with  it? 
What  does  our  Lord  do  with  the  disciple 
after  he  has  lost  his  savor?     (John  15:16.) 

With  what  closing  words  did  our  Lord 
seek  to  impress  the  importance  of  the 
truth  He  was  teaching?  (8:8;  9:44;  Matt. 
11:15;  13:9;  Rev.  2:7.  II,  17,  29.) 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 

His  deity,  26;  humanity,  27;  attractive- 
ness to  the  multitudes,  25 ;  skill  as  a 
teacher,  26-35;  uncompromising  de- 
mands of  His  disciples,  26,  27,  S3', 
should  be  the  supreme  object  of  our 
love,  26. 

2.  Conditions  of  discipleship. 

Whoever  would  be  our  Lord's  disciple 
must  be  ready  to  turn  his  back  upon 
father,  mother,  wife,  children,  breth- 
ren, sisters  and  his  own  life  wher- 
ever loyalty  to  Christ  demands  it,  26; 
must  bear  His  cross,  must  come  after 
Him,  27;  must  bid  farewell  to  all  he 
has  and  be  ready  to  leave  it  at  any 
moment,  3;^ ;  should  count  the  great 
cost  of  discipleship  before  entering 
upon  it,  28-32. 


LESSON  87. 
Parables  of  the  Lost  Sheep  and  the  Lost  Coin.     Luke  15:1-10. 

What  one  purpose  is  there  in  all  these  par- 
ables? (Compare  v.  2  with  vv.  7,  10,  24, 
32.)  How  do  these  parables,  while  having 
the  same  general  purpose,  differ  from  one 
another? 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 


/.    Parable  of  the  lost  sheep,  vv.  1-7. 
What  was  the  occasion  of  our  Lord's  ut- 
tering   these    three    parables    of    Luke    15? 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


What  do  we  see  the  publicans  and  sin- 
ners doing  in  V.  i?  How  many?  Why? 
What  was  Christ's  feeling  as  the  publicans 
and  sinners  drew  near  to  Him?  (Matt. 
9:10-13;  I  Tim.  1:15.)  The  feeling  of  the 
Pharisees  and  scribes?  Did  they  murmur 
on  any  other  occasion  at  the  same  thing? 
(5:30;  7:34,  39;  197.)  Do  we  ever  meet 
the  same  spirit  today?  Is  there  ever  a  time 
when  we  should  withdraw  ourselves  from 
sinners?  (i  Cor.  5  rg-ii.)  What  complaint 
did  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  make?  What 
was  their  idea  of  holiness?  What  was 
Christ's  idea  of  holiness? 

What  are  the  figures  of  the  first  parable? 
Who  is  represented  by  the  sheep-owner  or 
shepherd?  (John  10:11,  12;  Luke  19:10.) 
What  did  the  Pharisees  fancy  themselves 
to  be  that  gave  point  to  Christ's  parable? 
In  the  Old  Testament  who  is  the  faithful 
Shepherd  who  searches  out  the  sheep 
which  unfaithful  shepherds  have  allowed  to 
go  astray?  (Ezek.  34:11-13,  16,  7-10.) 
Who  is  represented  by  the  lost  sheep?  (Ps. 
119:  176;  Is.  53:6;  I  Peter  2:25.)  Where 
is  the  fitness  in  comparing  a  sinner  to  a  lost 
sheep? 

How  many  sheep  must  go  astray  before 
the  interest  and  pitying  love  of  the  good 
shepherd  is  aroused?  How  much  is  he  in- 
terested in  the  stray  sheep?  How  does  he 
show  it?  What  is  involved  in  the  going 
after  it?  How  long  does  he  keep  up  the 
search?  Are  we  to  understand  that  Christ 
follows  every  sinner  until  He  finds  and 
saves  him?  (John  17:2,  12.)  What  class 
of  sinners  then  are  represented  by  the  lost 
sheep  ?  What  is  represented  by  leaving  the 
ninety  and  nine  in  the  wilderness?  What 
does  the  shepherd  do  with  the  sheep  when 
he  has  found  it?  What  is  represented  by 
his  laying  it  on  his  shoulder?  (Is.  63:9; 
I  Peter  i  :5.)     What  is  his  feeling?    What 


is  represented  by  this  rejoicing?  (w.  23, 
24,  32;  Is.  62:5;  Ezek.  33:11;  Zeph.  3:17.) 

Where  does  he  bring  the  sheep?  What 
does  he  do  then?  Who  are  represented  by 
these  friends  and  neighbors  (v.  7)  ?  What 
does  he  call  upon  these  friends  and  neigh- 
bors to  do?  Why?  What  is  the  force  of 
"with  me"?  Did  they  do  it?  Where  alone 
was  there  no  joy  over  the  lost  one  found? 
(vv.  2  and  28.) 

What  is  Christ's  own  application  of  His 
parable?  Over  how  many  sinners  that  re- 
pent? Why  does  Christ  say  that  there 
"shall  be"  joy  and  not  tliat  there  "is"  joy? 
Are  there  any  just  persons  who  need  no  re- 
pentance? Who  then  are  meant?  (vv.  i, 
2,  25-32;  Prov.  30:12;  Is.  53:6;  Ro.  3:22, 
23;  Luke  18:9-11;  Matt.  9:12.)  Did  these 
Pharisees  who  murmured  need  no  repent- 
ance? Did  they  think  they  needed  none? 
(Luke  16:15.)  In  which  does  Christ  take 
greater  delight,  a  moral  and  respectable 
sinner  who  in  his  own  estimation  needs  no 
repentance  or  a  man  away  down  in  sin  who 
knows  his  lost  condition  and  repents? 
What  is  the  force  of  "I  say  unto  you"? 

2.    Parable  of  the  lost  coin,  vv.  8-10. 

What  are  the  figures  used  in  the  second 
parable?  Who  is  represented  by  the  wo- 
man? (Rev.  22:17;  Eph.  5:25.)  What  cus- 
tom is  there  in  that  land  of  a  woman  hav- 
ing coins?  In  what  respect  is  a  member 
of  Christ  like  a  coin?  (The  image  of  the 
emperor  stamped  upon  it.)  What  did  the 
woman  do  when  she  lost  one  coin?  What 
does  the  lamp  represent?  (Ps.  119:105; 
Phil.  2:15,  16.)  Having  lighted  the  lamp 
what  does  she  do?  What  does  this  repre- 
sent? What  does  sweeping  usually  stir  up? 
How  do  people  in  the  church  feel  when  the 
church  awakens  to  the  fact  that  some  are 
lost  and  stirs  up  a  dust  in  her  eager  search 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


195 


for  them?  (Acts  17:6;  i  Kings  18:17.) 
Where  was  the  coin  lost?  (In  the  house, 
not  in  the  wilderness.)  How  did  the  wo- 
man seek?  How  long?  Does  this  repre- 
sent the  outward  visible  church  or  the  in- 
visible church,  the  real  bride? 

What  did  the  woman  do  when  she  found 
her  coin?  Who  are  these  friends  and  neigh- 
bors? Are  the  angels  neighbors  of  the 
church?  (Heb.  11:13,  14;  i  Cor.  11:10.) 
What  did  the  woman  say?  The  shepherd 
said:  "My  sheep";  did  the  woman  say: 
"My  piece"?  Why  not?  The  woman  said: 
"The  piece  which  /  had  lost";  did  the  shep- 
herd say:  "The  sheep  which  /  had  lost"? 
Why  not?     (John  6:39;  18:9.) 

What  is  Christ's  application  of  the  par- 
able? Is  it  "shall  be"  as  in  v.  7?  Why 
not?  Is  there  any  mention  of  heaven  in 
this  verse?  Do  the  angels  take  a  present 
joy  in  repentant  sinners?  (i  Peter  1:12; 
Eph.  3:10.)  Why  is  "more  than  over 
ninety  and  nine  just  persons  that  need  no 
repentance"  omitted  in  this  instance?  Does 
the  church  call  angels  to  rejoice  with  her? 
How  many  repentant  sinners  does  it  take 
to  make  angels  rejoice? 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Jesus  Christ. 

A  friend  of,  attractive  to  publicans  and 
sinners,  i ;  received  sinners  and  ate 
with  them,  murmured  at  by  the  Phar- 
isees and  scribes,  2;  taught  in  par- 
ables, 3 ;  has  a  deeper  interest  in  one 
sheep  that  goes  astray  than  in  ninety 
and  nine  who  do  not  wander,  leaves 
the  ninety  and  nine  in  the  wilderness 
and  goes  after  that  which  is  lost, 
keeps  after  it  until  He  finds  it,  4; 
rejoices  over  the  lost  sheep  found, 
lays  it  on  His  shoulders,  5;  brings  it 
clear  home,  calls  the  angels  to  rejoice 
with  Him  over  it,  6. 

^.     The  Holy  Spirit. 

Has  a  deep  interest  in  lost  ones,  seeks 
them  diligently,  until  He  finds  them, 
8;  rejoices  over  lost  ones  found,  9. 

3.    Publicans  and  sinners. 

Drew  near  unto  our  Lord,  listened  to 
Him;  were  welcomed  by  Him,  2;  the 
objects  of  deepest  interest  and  love  to 
our  Lord,  sought  out  by  Him,  re- 
joiced over  when  found  by  Him,  4; 
rejoiced  over  by  the  angels  when 
found,  6,  7,  10. 


LESSON  88. 
Parable  of  the  Lost  Son.     Luke  15:11-24. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE   FACTS. 

/.     The  nature  of  sin,  vv.  11-13. 

Wherein  does  this  parable  resemble  the 
two  that  precede?  What  is  the  chief  point 
of  difference  between  this  and  those?  Who 
were  Christ's  hearers?  (w.  i,  2.)  What 
was  His  purpose  in  uttering  it? 

Who  is  represented  by  the  father?  Is 
the  figure  a  perfect  representation?  Who 
by  the  younger  son?  Who  by  the  elder  son? 
What    request    did   the   younger   son   make 


of  the  father?  What  lay  at  the  bottom  of 
this  request?  What  is  the  very  essence  of 
sin?  What  lies  back  of  that  desire  to  be 
independent  of  God? 

What  response  did  the  father  make  to  the 
son's  demand?  What  are  we  taught  by 
tliat?  Didn't  that  father  know  what  use 
his  son  would  make  of  the  goods?  Why 
then  did  he  let  him  have  them?  Why  does 
our  all-wise  Father  put  into  our  hands  the 
means  of  going  off  into  folly  and  sin? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Did  the  younger  son  go  away  from  home 
at  once?  What  is  taught  by  that?  What 
was  away  from  home  at  the  outset?  When 
a  man's  heart  is  estranged  from  God  will 
he  keep  up  his  outward  contact  with  God 
very  long?  What  is  represented  by  the 
far  country?  Is  it  a  good  place  to  be? 
(Jer.  2:5,  13,  17-19;  Ps.  73:27-)  What  is 
it  makes  the  one  who  is  afar  off  nigh? 
(Eph.  2:13.) 

2.     The  fruits  of  sin,  vv.  13-16. 

What  is  the  first  thing  the  prodigal  found 
in  the  far  country?  What  is  the  first  fruit 
of  sin?  What  was  the  consequence  of  his 
profligate  pleasure?  Is  poverty  a  frequent 
consequence  of  profligacy  (Prov.  21:17; 
23:19-21.) 

The  second  thing?  How  great  was  his 
want  (v.  17)  ?  What  is  the  second  fruit 
of  sin?  Does  sin  always  bring  a  man  to 
want,  hunger  and  starvation?  In  his  want, 
of  whom  should  he  have  thought?  Did 
he  at  first?  Where  did  he  seek  help?  Who 
is  represented  by  a  citizen  of  that  country? 
What  is  represented  in  the  experience  of 
the  sinner  by  his  seeking  help  from  that 
source?  (Jer.  5:3;  Is.  1:5.)  What  did  the 
citizen  set  him  to  doing?  What  is  repre- 
sented by  that? 

What  is  the  third  fruit  of  sin?  What 
might  that  young  man  have  been?  What 
was  he?  What  brought  him  there? 
What  choice  is  set  before  each  of 
us?  (Deut.  28:47,  48.)  Did  the 
young  man  get  much  pay  for  his  de- 
grading service?  Does  the  servant  of  the 
devil  ever  get  good  wages?  What  were 
these  husks?  What  is  represented  by  his 
lusting  after  swine's  food?  How  did  man 
treat  him?  What  is  represented  by  no 
man's  helping  him?     (Ps.  142:4.) 

3.    The  remedy  for  sin,  vv.  17-24. 
What  was  the  next  step  in  the  prodigal's 


experience?  What  is  indicated  as  to  the 
nature  of  sin  by  the  expression  "he  came 
to  himself"  ?  Before  he  came  to  himself 
what  was  he?  What  is  every  impenitent 
sinner?  What  was  it  brought  him  to  him- 
self? Does  that  bring  many  sinners  to 
themselves?  (Ps.  119:67;  2  Chron.  33:12, 
13;  Lam.  1:7.) 

What  was  the  first  step  in  the  prodigal's 
return?  What  did  he  think  about?  What 
is  the  contrast  between  a  sinner  and  a  ser- 
vant of  God? 

What  was  the  second  step  in  the  prodi- 
gal's return?  What  did  he  resolve  to  do? 
How  must  a  sinner  always  come  to  God? 
(Ps.  32:3-5;  Prov.  28:13;  I  John  1:9.) 
What  two  words  in  the  confession  show  that 
he  had  the  right  apprehension  of  the  nature 
of  sin?  (Ps.  SI  :4.)  What  was  his  thought 
of  himself?  Is  God  likely  to  think  him 
worthy  who  thinks  himself  unworthy? 
(18:13,  14.)  What  was  all  the  prodigal 
expected?  What  is  all  the  sinner  often- 
times expects  when  he  comes  back  to  God? 
Is  that  all  he  gets?  Is  that  all  he  ought  to 
ask?     (Ps.  81:10.) 

What  was  the  next  step  in  the  prodigal's 
return?  Was  his  father  looking  for  him? 
How  do  you  know?  What  is  represented 
by  all  this?  What  was  the  father's  feeling 
when  he  saw  him?  What  is  God's  feeling 
when  He  sees  a  sinner  in  rags  and  hunger 
and  with  the  ravages  of  dissipation  upon 
him  returning  to  Him?  Did  the  father 
wait  until  the  son  got  home  and  confessed? 
How  did  he  show  his  intense  eagerness  to 
welcome  his  son?  As  soon  as  he  got  to 
his  son  what  did  he  do?  What  did  the 
kiss  mean?     (Gen.  33:4-) 

Was  the  son  any  less  ready  to  make 
confession  after  his  loving  welcome?  Does 
the  love  of  God  to  us  lessen  our  convic- 
tion   of    sin    and    willingness    to    confess? 


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197 


(Ro.  2:4;  Ez.  16:63.)  What  part  of  his 
premeditated  confession  did  he  leave  out? 
Why?  Was  it  true  he  was  unworthy  to 
be  called  his  son? 

What  did  the  father  say?  What  was 
indicated  by  all  the  ornaments?  What 
word  is  added  in  the  Revised  Version?  Of 
what  is  the  robe  a  type?  (Is.  61:10;  Zech. 
3:3-5;  Phil.  3:9.)  Does  God  give  the  re- 
turning sinner  a  ring?  (Eph.  1:13,  14; 
Gal.  4:6.)  Does  He  put  shoes  on  his  feet? 
(Eph.  6:15.)  What  was  done  next?  What 
does  that  represent?  (Ps.  63:5.)  Why 
was  there  all  this  joy?  What  is  the  con- 
dition of  the  impenitent  sinner  according 
to  V.  24?     Of  the  penitent? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Man. 

Foolish,    13-17;    unfeeling,     ungrateful, 
alienated  from  God,  12,  13;  fully  set 
to  do  evil,  IS;  loved  by  God,  20-24; 
can  be  saved,   17-24. 
2.    Sin. 

(i)     Its    nature: 
Alienation  from  God,  12,   13;   insanity, 
17- 
(2)     Its   fruits: 
Pleasure,    13;    hunger,    14-17;    slavery, 
degradation,  15;  death,  17. 


(3)     Its  remedy: 
Return  to  God,  18-24. 

3.  God's  dealings  with  the  sinner. 

Lets  him  have  his  own  way,  12;  fills 
him  with  his  own  way,  13-17;  loves 
him  in  his  folly,  watches  for  his  re- 
turn to  Himself,  runs  to  meet  him  as 
he  returns,  has  compassion  upon 
him,  welcomes  him,  20;  forgives 
him  freely,  fully  and  forever,  makes 
him  a  son,  clothes  and  feeds  him,  re- 
joices over  him,  20-24. 

4.  The  sinner's  return  to  God. 
(i)     Comes  to   himself,   17. 

(2)  Thinks: 

On  his  folly,  17;  on  his  sin,  18,  21. 

(3)  Resolves: 

To  arise,  to  return,  to  confess,  to  seek 
acceptance,  18,  19. 

(4)  Comes,  20. 

(5)  Is  received,  20-23. 

(6)  Is  feasted,  24. 

5.  M^hat  a  penitent  sinner  gets. 
Compassion,     welcome,     reconciliation, 

20;    sonship,   a   robe,   a    ring,   shoes, 
a  feast,  22. 


LESSON  89. 

The  Unjust  Steward.     Luke  16:1-18. 


DISCOVERY   OF    THE   FACTS. 

I.     The  unjust  steward,  vv.   1-13. 

To  whom  was  this  parable  spoken?  Of 
whom  are  the  parables  in  this  chapter  a 
rebuke,  and  of  what  characteristic  (v. 
14)  ?  Against  what  sin  was  it  especially 
directed  (v.  14)  ?  What  use  of  money 
was  it  intended  to  teach  as  being  the  wise 
one  (v.  9)  ?  Did  our  Lord  intend  to  hold 
up  this  steward's  action  for  the  imitation 
of  His  disciples  in  every  respect,  or  merely 


to  teach  that  as  a  child  of  this  world  is 
shrewd  so  to  use  the  money  committed  to 
him  as  to  provide  for  the  future  time  when 
his  stewardship  is  taken  from  him,  so 
much  more  a  child  of  light  should  be 
shrewd  to  so  use  the  money  committed  to 
him  that  when  his  earthly  stewardship  is 
taken  from  him  he  will  have  provided  for 
a  future  eternity?  How  do  we  know  that 
He  did  not  approve  of  the  man's  action 
from    a    moral    standpoint    (v.    8)  ?      Are 


198 


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there  any  other  parables  where  wicked  or 
selfish  men  are  held  up  by  way  of  contrast 
to  show  how  much  more  God  or  godly 
men  may  be  expected  to  act  in  some  way 
suggested?  (i8:6,  7;  11:5-8;  Matt.  12:11, 
12.) 

Who  are  the  stewards?  (i  Cor.  4:1; 
Titus  1:7;  I  Peter  4:10.)  Of  whom? 
How  much  of  what  we  sometimes  call 
our  own  belongs  to  Him?  (Haggai2:8; 
Ps.  50:10-12.)  What  is  required  of  stew- 
ards? (i  Cor.  4:2.)  What  accusation  was 
brought  against  many  of  God's  stewards? 
What  are  some  of  the  ways  in  which  they 
waste  His  goods? 

What  were  the  two  results  of  the  stew- 
ard of  the  parable  wasting  his  lord's 
goods?  What  will  be  the  two  results  if 
we  as  stewards  of  God  waste  His  goods? 
How  many  of  us  will  have  to  give  account 
of  our  stewardship?  (Ro.  14:12;  2  Cor. 
5:10.)  To  whom?  Of  what?  (Matt. 
12:36;  Ecc.  12:14;  Ro.  2:16;  I  Cor.  4:5; 
2  Cor.  5:10.)  Will  the  stewardship  of  the 
unfaithful  steward  of  God  be  taken  away? 
(19:21-26;  12:20;  Matt.  25:24-28.)  Will 
anything  else  be  done?  (Matt.  25:30.)  In 
what  state  of  mind  is  he  represented  as 
being  at  this  announcement  of  the  termi- 
nation of  his  stewardship?  Does  his  in- 
ability to  labor  and  his  unwillingness  to 
beg  represent  anything  in  the  position  of 
the  man  of  the  world  when  suddenly  con- 
fronted with  the  termination  of  his  earthly 
stewardship  ? 

What  seemingly  shrewd  scheme  did  he 
hit  upon  in  his  perplexity  and  dismay?  Do 
God's  stewards  who  all  their  lives  long 
have  wasted  God's  goods  ever  try  to  pro- 
vide for  their  future  by  being  generous 
with  God's  money  in  the  last  hour  when 
they    can't    keep    it    any    longer    if    they 


would?  Was  the  trick  discovered  (v.  8, 
R.  V.)  ?  Is  it  likely  then  that  it  succeed- 
ed? Is  the  similar  attempt  of  men  likely 
to    succeed? 

Who  is  the  lord  who  is  represented  as 
commending  the  unjust  steward?  (R.  V.) 
What  was  it  he  commended?  In  what  re- 
spect are  the  children  of  this  world  wiser 
than  the  children  of  light?  (See  R.  V.) 
What  is  the  principal  lesson  that  our  Lord 
draws  from  His  story?  What  is  meant 
by  "the  mammon  of  unrighteousness"? 
Why  is  it  so  called?  (i  Tim.  6:9,  10.) 
What  is  meant  by  "making  friends  by 
means  of  the  mammon  of  unrighteous- 
ness"? (Matt.  19:21;  25:35-40;  6:19;  I 
Tim.  6:17-19;  Prov.  19:17.)  Had  the 
steward  any  right  to  use  his  master's 
goods  to  make  friends  for  himself?  Has 
the  steward  of  God  any  right  to  bestow 
the  goods  of  his  Master  upon  the  needy? 
(Matt.  24:45;  I  Peter  4:10.)  Will  our  en- 
trance into  the  kingdom  of  God  be  any 
more  sure  and  abundant  because  of  our 
generous  use  of  God's  money  upon  the 
needy?  (Matt.  19:21,  etc.)  Is  not  our 
entrance  into  the  kingdom  dependent  upon 
faith  alone?  How  then  can  benevolence 
have  anything  to  do  with  it?  (Gal.  5:6; 
Jas.  2:18.) 

What  further  lesson  did  our  Lord 
teach  (v.  10)?  (19:17;  Matt.  25:21.)  If 
a  man  is  not  faithful  in  some  humble 
place  of  service  will  he  be  faithful  in  some 
high  place  of  service?  If  then  we  wish 
God  to  promote  us  what  must  we  do? 
Who  is  the  most  conspicuous  illustration 
of  one  who  was  unjust  first  in  little,  then 
in  much?  (John  12:6;  13:2,  27.)  What  is 
the  practical  application  our  Lord  makes 
of  the  principle  of  v.  10?  If  then  we  do 
not  use   the   earthly  wealth   committed   to 


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199 


us  (whether  much  or  little)  faithfully  for 
God,  of  what  may  we  be  sure?  What  are 
the  true  riches?  (12:33;  18:22;  Prov. 
8:18,  19;  Eph.  3:8;  Jas.  2:5;  Rev.  3:18.) 
Are  the  earthly  riches  we  have  our  own? 
(i  Peter  1:4,  5.)  What  if  we  are  not 
faithful  "in  that  which  is  another's"? 
What  if  we  are  faithful  in  it? 

What  are  many  professed  servants  of 
God  trying  to  do  (v.  13)  ?  How  many 
can  succeed  in  that  attempt?  What  must 
we  do  then?  (Joshua  24:15.)  If  we 
hold  on  to  the  world  and  mammon  what 
is  our  relation  to  God?  (i  John  2:15;  Jas. 
4:4.) 

2.  "That  which  is  exalted  among  men 
is  an  abomination  in  the  sight  of  God," 
vv.  14-18. 

Who  most  needed  these  teachings  of  our 
Lord?  Did  they  have  them?  Did  they  do 
them  any  good?  What  was  the  result  to 
themselves  of  their  derision?  Do  men 
nowadays  ever  receive  in  that  way  our 
Lord's  teachings  which  convict  them? 
What  will  be  the  result? 

How  did  He  reply  to  the  derision  of  the 
Pharisees?  Are  there  those  today  who 
justify  themselves  in  the  sight  of  men? 
Do  they  succeed  in  justifying  themselves 
in  the  sight  of  God?  Why  not?  How 
does  God  often  regard  those  whom  men 
regard  highly? 

What  change  was  there  in  preaching 
since  the  time  of  John?  What  is  meant 
in  V.  16  by  "Every  man  presseth  into  it"? 
(See  R.  V.)  In  what  words  does  our 
Lord  set  the  stamp  of  His  endorsement 
upon  the  absolute  inerrancy  of  the  law? 
In  what  words  does  He  set  forth  the  sa- 
credness  of  marriage?  Is  there  any 
ground  upon  which  a  man  can  put  away 
his  wife  and  marry  again?  (Matt.  5:32; 
19:9.) 


CLASSIFICATION    OF   TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

Knoweth  our  hearts,  abominates  that 
which  men  regard  highly,  15;  de- 
mands our  absolute  and  single-heart- 
ed service,  13;  His  law  inviolable, 
17- 

2.  Covetousness,  or  the  love  of  money. 
The  sin  of  many  religious  and  highly 

respected  people,  14;  severely  re- 
buked by  Jesus  Christ,  1-14;  incom- 
patible with  the  love  and  service  of 
God,  13 ;  an  exceedingly  difficult  sin 
to  save  men  from,  hardens  the 
heart  against  the  teachings  of  our 
Lord,  leads  to  derision  of  His  teach- 
ings, 14;  shuts  out  from  obtaining 
the  true  riches,  II ;  brings  dismay 
and  ruin,  4. 

3.  Riches. 

The  two  kinds — the  mammon  of  un- 
righteousness, 9,  II;  the  true  riches, 
II ; 

To  whom  they  belong — the  earthly 
riches  not  our  own,  the  heavenly 
riches  our  own,  12; 

How  the  true  riches  are  obtained — 
by  faithful  stewardship  of  earthly 
wealth,  11; 

How  lost — by  faithless  stewardship  of 
earthly  wealth,   11 ; 

Earthly  riches  a  temporary  steward- 
ship to  test  our  fitness  for  the  eter- 
nal ownership  of  the  true  riches,  11; 

The  wise  use  of  earthly  riches  to  make 
friends  of  those  who  are  bound  for 
the  everlasting  habitations,  9; 

Men  of  the  world  more  shrewd  in 
the  use  of  their  wealth  in  the  light  of 
time  (to  provide  for  future  time,  4) 
than  the  children  of  light  in  the  light 
of  eternity  (to  provide  for  a  future 
eternity),  8,  9. 


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4.    Stewardship. 

All  men  are  God's  stewards,  i,  8;  God 

carefully  notes  how  men  fulfill  their 

stewardship,    i ; 
Many  waste  their  Lord's  goods,  i ; 
Every   man  will   be   called   to   account 

for   his    stewardship,  2; 
The    faithless    steward    will    be    filled 

with    perplexity   and    dismay    in    the 

day  of  reckoning,  3 ; 
The    faithless    steward    will    have    his 

stewardship   taken   from   him,   2,    10, 

II ; 


The   faithful   steward   will   be   made   a 
proprietor    of    more    excellent    treas- 
ures, 10-12. 
5.     Service. 

Only  one  master  possible,  13; 

Each  must  choose  a  master  for  him- 
self, 13; 

The  choice  is — God  or  mammon,  13 ; 

Faithful  service  in  little  things  will 
bring  opportunities  for  service  in 
larger-  things,  10; 

Faithless  service  in  little  things  will 
exclude  from  larger  opportunity,   10. 


LESSON  90. 
The   Rich  Man   and  Lazarus,     Luke   16:19-31. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     The  life  that  now  is,  vv.  19-22. 

Is  this  an  actual  event  or  an  imaginary 
incident?  (Compare  18:9-14.)  Who  is 
the  first  man  mentioned?  What  do  we 
know  about  him?  Did  he  go  to  hell  because 
he  was  rich?  Why  then?  What  was 
his  fault?  (v.  25.)  How  did  he  live?  Is 
it  a  wrong  use  of  wealth  according  to 
God's  Word  to  spend  it  on  fine  clothes 
and  rich  fare?  (Ezek.  16:49;  Amos  6:1, 
4-6;  Rev.  18:7.)  Is  this  a  common  use 
of  wealth?  What  is  the  proper  use  of 
wealth?  (16:9;  I  Tim.  6:17-19.)  Did 
this  man  get  any  real,  solid  satisfaction 
out  of  his  sumptuous  living  even  while 
here?  (Ecc.  1:8.)  What  was  right  be- 
fore the  rich  man's  eyes  that  took  away 
all  excuse  for  his  sumptuous  living?  Do 
men  today  ever  spend  their  money  in  self- 
indulgence  while  misery  and  want  lie  at 
their  very  gates  crying  for  help  ? 

What  do  we  know  about  Lazarus? 
Which  is  better,  to  be  rich  and  clothed  in 
purple  and  fine  linen  and  fare  sumptuously 


every  day  and  go  to  hell  hereafter,  or  to 
be  a  beggar  full  of  sores  and  hungry  and 
go  to  heaven  hereafter?  Which  was 
really  the  happier  on  earth?  Was  Lazarus 
a  godly  man?  Does  the  fact  that  a  man 
is  in  poverty  and  distress  of  body  prove 
God  is  displeased  with  him?  What  does 
the  name  Lazarus  mean?  Did  it  really 
look  as  if  God  was  his  help?  What  is 
God's  promise  to  us  in  regard  to  the  sup- 
ply of  our  needs?  (Phil.  4:19.)  Does 
that  mean  we  shall  never  hunger?  (i  Cor. 
4:11;  2  Cor.  11:27;  Phil.  4:12.)  Did  Laz- 
arus have  any  friends?  Did  the  rich  man 
know  he  was  there  (v.  24)  ?  What  did 
he  want?  What  is  all  the  rich  often  give 
the  poor?  Do  they  always  give  them  even 
that? 

What  was  the  issue  of  both  lives  ?  What 
is  one  thing  neither  riches  nor  poverty  can 
ward  off?  What  did  death  bring  the 
poor  man?  The  rich  man?  What  was  all 
the  rich  man's  wealth  could  bring  him  at 
his  death?  Did  that  do  him  much  good? 
What  did  the  poor  man's  piety  bring  him? 
Which  had  the  best  of  it?     Whom  did  the 


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201 


rich  man  have  for  his  pallbearers?  Whom 
did  the  poor  man  have  for  his?  Which 
would  you   rather  have  for  yours? 

2.     The  life  that  is  to  come,  vv.  23-31. 

Where  did  the  rich  man  find  himself  as 
soon  as  his  eyes  were  closed  on  earth? 
Was  his  condition  there  a  conscious  one? 
Of  what  was  he  principally  conscious? 
(Rev.  14:10,  11;  20:10.)  Where  had  he 
seen  Lazarus  during  his  lifetime?  Where 
does  he  see  him  now?  What  did  he  do  in 
his  distress?  Did  that  cry  reveal  a  real 
desire  for  heaven?  Is  the  condition  of  the 
lost  that  of  torment  in  literal  fire?  (Fre- 
quency of  the  image,  Matt.  13:24-30,  36-42; 
25:41;  Mark  9:43-48;  Rev.  14:10,  II ; 
19:20;  20:iS;  21:8.)  What  was  the  re- 
lation between  the  character  of  the  rich 
man's  suffering  and  the  character  of  his 
life?  Is  it  wise  to  develop  strongly  de- 
sires for  which  the  world  to  come  has  no 
satisfaction'  What  desires  should  we  cul- 
tivate?    (Col.  3:1,  2.) 

What  did  Abraham  tell  the  rich  man  to 
do?  What  does  every  one  carry  into  the 
other  world  with  him?  Will  that  have 
anything  to  do  with  our  joy  or  our  sorrow 
there?  With  what  had  we  best  store  our 
memory?  Why  was  it,  according  to  Abra- 
ham, that  the  rich  man  was  in  torment? 
Will  a  godly  man  always  get  evil  things 
in  this  life?  (John  16:33;  Acts  14:22;  i 
Thess.  3:3;  2  Tim.  3:12.)  What  awful 
thought  is  there  in  v.  26  for  those  who  die 
impenitent?  What  joyful  thought  is  there 
for  those  who  die  in  Christ?  Where  must 
a  man  make  his  choice  for  eternity? 

What  was  the  rich  man's  next  request? 
Did  that  indicate  a  real  repentance  on  his 
part?  Does  his  request  imply  a  covert 
excuse  for  himself?  Was  it  from  sin  he 
wished    to    save    his    brethren,    or    merely 


from  torment?  What  was  Abraham's 
reply?  Were  there  sufficient  warnings  in 
Moses  and  the  prophets  against  such  lives 
as  they  were  leading?  Have  all  impeni- 
tent sinners  today  sufficient  light  to  keep 
them  from  such  lives  as  they  lead?  Was 
it  more  light  that  his  brothers  needed? 
What  was  it?  What  is  it  that  the  impeni- 
tent need  today?  What  did  the  rich  man 
think  would  be  the  result  of  their  seeing  a 
resurrected  man?  Would  it?  (Rev.  16:9- 
11;  John  11:43-53;  12:10,  II.)  What  was 
Abraham's  reply?  What  does  that  imply? 
When  has  a  man  a  right  to  ask  more  light 
and  claim  he  would  live  up  to  it  if  he  had 
it? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Wealth. 

Brings  with  itself  great  responsibili- 
ties, 19,  20;  great  perils,  19;  great 
and  eternal  anguish  when  wrongly 
used,  23-26. 

2.  Poverty. 

Oftentimes  the  earthly  lot  of  godly 
men,  20;  brings  neglect  by  man, 
20;  may  lead  men  to  set  their 
affections  on  things  above  and  so 
secure  comfort  and  honor  and  joy 
hereafter,   25. 

3.  Suffering   and  glory. 

Suffering   of   others   a   call   to   service, 

20; 
Suffering   on   earth    no    sign   of   God's 

displeasure,  20; 
Suffering  hereafter  the  doom  of  those 

who    seek    self-indulgence   on    earth, 

25; 
Suffering  of  the  godly  in  this  present 

time    not    worthy    to    be    compared 

with    the    glory    that    shall    be    re- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


vealed  in  them  in  the   life  to  come, 

20-22 ; 

Glory  of  the  self-indulgent  in  this 
present  time  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  agony  that  shall  be 
endured  by  them  in  the  life  to  come, 
19,  23,  24. 

Death. 

The  lot  of  all,  rich  and  poor,  22; 
brings  sweet  release,  angelic  ministry 
and  eternal  blessedness  to  the  godly 
poor,  22,  25 ;  brings  a  big  funeral, 
the  end  of  hope,  and  eternal  and  un- 


bearable anguish  to  the  worldly  rich, 
23-25. 

The  life  to  come. 

A  conscious  state — for  the  godly  of 
indescribable  joy,  for  the  worldly  of 
indescribable  torment  and  anguish, 
23-25 ;  we  carry  our  memories  into 
it,  its  issues  depend  on  conduct  in 
the  life  that  now  is,  25;  its  issues  are 
unalterable,  26;  its  torments  along 
the  line  of  earthly  indulgences,  19, 
24. 

Worldliness. 

Its  cruelty,  21;  end,  22;  penalty,  23-25. 


LESSON  9L 

Mary  and  Martha's  Message  to  Our  Lord  When  Their  Brother  Lazarus  was 

Sick.     John  11:1-16. 

to   heal  our   sickness   immediately?     Were 


DISCOVERY     OF     FACTS. 

I.  The  messenger  from  Mary  and  Mar- 
tha brings  tidings  to  our  Lord  of  the  sick- 
ness of  their  brother  Lazarus,  vv.  1-6, 

In  what  home  is  our  Lord  recorded 
as  having  visited  more  frequently  than  any 
other?  What  shadow  had  now  fallen 
upon  that  home?  To  whom  did  Martha 
and  Mary  turn  in  their  extremity?  Where 
was  He  now?  (10:40.)  How  far  away 
was  that?  To  whom  should  we  turn  in 
every  extremity?  (Matt.  11:28-30;  Phil: 
4:6,  7.)  What  message  did  they  send 
Him?  What  were  its  characteristics?  Did 
they  ask  Him  to  come?  Why  not?  Did 
He  come?  Did  He  come  as  quickly  as 
these  sisters  considered  necessary,  and  ex- 
pected? Why  not?  What  does  their  mes- 
sage show  that  they  were  confident  that 
He  could  do?  Can  He  heal  all  sickness? 
Did  He  deem  it  best  in  this  case  to  heal 
the  sickness  immediately?  Will  He 
in      our      case     always      deem      it      best 


they  right  in  saying  that  our  Lord  loved 
Lazarus  (v.  5)  ?  Did  He  love  Lazarus  and 
Martha  and  Mary  in  a  way  in  which  He  did 
not  love  all  His  disciples?  Are  there  any 
disciples  today  for  whom  He  has  a  peculiar 
attachment?  Is  a  universal  love  for  all 
men  inconsistent  with  a  peculiar  form  of 
love  for  certain  individuals?  Can  one  who 
is  the  especial  object  of  the  Saviour's  love 
be  sick?  How  sick  was  Lazarus?  Can 
one  whom  our  Lord  loves  be  sick  unto 
death  and  actually  die?  Is  the  theory 
that  those  who  are  nearest  and  dearest 
to  Him  cannot  sicken  and  die  well  founded, 
or   is   it   baseless? 

What  did  our  Lord  say  when  He  heard 
that  Lazarus  was  sick?  Was  not  this  sick- 
ness unto  death  in  any  sense?  In  what 
sense  was  it  not  unto  death?  Was  La- 
zarus' so-called  death  really  death,  or 
simply  a  four-days'  sleep?  Does  a  be- 
liever ever  die?  (v.  26.)  What  then  is 
what  we  call  death?    (i  Thess.  4:i5-)     Is 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


203 


it  an  unconscious  sleep?  (Phil.  1:23;  2 
Cor.  5:1-8.  R.  v.;  Luke  16:19-31;  23:43.) 
Do  we  worry  when  our  friends  fall  asleep 
at  the  close  of  the  day?  Ought  we 
to  worry  if  they  sleep  a  little  longer 
than  usual?  How  much  longer  than  usual 
did  Lazarus  sleep  in  this  case?  How 
much  longer  than  usual  will  those  who 
fall  asleep  in  Jesus  sleep?  For  what 
purpose  did  our  Lord  say  this  sickness 
came  to  Lazarus?  For  what  purpose  is 
the  sickness  of  all  believers?  How  was 
God  glorified  in  this  special  instance?  In 
other  cases  how  is  He  glorified?  (See 
9:3.)  How  can  we  make  sure  that  the 
Son  of  God  may  be  glorified  in  our  sick- 
nesses? 

When  our  Lord  heard  that  Lazarus  was 
sick  what  did  He  do  (v.  6)  ?  Why?  (Note 
"Therefore.")  How  would  it  seem  at  first 
thought,  that  His  love  to  Martha  and 
Mary  and  Lazarus  would  have  brought 
Him  at  once  to  their  side  or  that  it 
would  have  kept  Him  from  going  to  them? 
Does  He  ever  delay  His  coming  to  us 
just  because  He  loves  us?  What  did 
Martha  and  Mary  desire  from  Him? 
Had  He  anything  better  than  healing  to 
give  them?  Has  He  anything  better 
than  heahng  to  give  us  for  our  loved 
ones?  What?  (v.  43,  44;  Phil.  1:23;  i 
Thess.  4:16.)  If  the  resurrection  of  our 
loved  ones  does  not  come  in  four  days, 
of  what  may  we  be  sure?  Will  it  be  long 
before  Jesus  comes  and  raises  our  loved 
ones?  (Rev.  22:20;  i  Thess.  4:13-18.) 
Did  those  four  days  seem  long  to  Martha 
and  Mary?  Were  they  perplexed  by  His 
not  coming?  Does  the  time  we  have  to 
wait  for  Him  seem  long?  Do  we  need 
to  be  perplexed  by  it?  What  question 
must  Mary  and  Martha  have  asked  them- 


selves again  and  again  as  they  stood  by 
the  bed  of  Lazarus  and  saw  his  life  fad- 
ing away?  What  was  the  true  answer  to 
this  question? 

Why  is  it  that  our  Lord  does  not  come 
to  us  at  once  and  heal  our  loved  ones? 

2.  Our  Lord  goes  to  Martha  and  Mary 
and  Lazarus,  vv.  7-16. 

What  apparently  good  reason  had  He  for 
not  going  into  Judea  again  (v.  8)  ?  Did 
His  going  back,  humanly  speaking,  hasten 
His  death?  (v.  46-53-)  What  answer  did 
He  make  to  the  protest  of  His  disciples? 
What  is  the  point  in  that  answer?  While 
a  man's  allotted  day  lasts,  against  what  is 
he  safe?  What  is  the  real  place  of  safety? 
What  is  everything  outside  of  God's  will 
(v.  10)? 

What  did  our  Lord  say  of  Lazarus  in 
the  14th  verse?  What  that  He  had  al- 
ready said  did  this  seem  to  contradict  (v. 
4)?  Did  it  really  contradict  it?  Are  our 
loved  ones  dead?  Why  did  He  say  that 
Lazarus  was  dead  (v.  12)  ?  How  did  He 
first  speak  of  him  (v.  11)  ?  For  what  pur- 
pose did  He  say  He  was  coming  to  Laza- 
rus? For  what  purpose  may  we  be  sure 
that  He  will  some  day  come  to  our  sleep- 
ing loved  ones?  (i  Thess.  4:16.)  Of 
what  does  He  say  He  was  glad  (v.  15)  ? 
For  whose  sake?  If  Jesus,  the  Prince  of 
Life,  had  been  there,  what  would  have  fled 
away  abashed  ?  How  was  God  more  glori- 
fied and  their  faith  more  greatly  strength- 
ened? What  then  was  one  purpose  of  this 
whole  transaction?  Are  you  glad  that  He 
was  not  there  and  so  Lazarus  died?  If 
He  had  been  there  and  Lazarus  had  not 
died,  what  would  we  have  lost?  Would 
the  loss  of  this  nth  chapter  of  John  be 
much  to  the  church?  Will  the  day  ever 
come  when  we  will  be  glad  that  our  Lord 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR    LORD 


did  not  come  more  quickly  to  the  sick  bed 
of  our  loved  ones  when  we  called  Him, 
but  permitted  them  to  fall  asleep  for  a 
season?  From  what  do  all  our  perplexi- 
ties and  griefs  over  God's  dealings  arise? 
(Ro.   11:33.) 

Who  stands  forth  at  this  point  as  a 
doubter,  and  as  one  who  always  looked 
on  the  dark  side  of  things  (v.  16)  ?  Yet 
what  did  he  show  himself  to  be?  Are  there 
many  doubters  of  the  Thomas  type? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  nature: 
Divine,  4,   11,   14;   human,  6,  8,  9,   10, 
IS,  16. 

(2)  His  attributes: 

Omniscience,  4,  ii,  14;  omnipotence, 
11;  love,  3,  5. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

He  loved  Martha  and  Mary  and 
Lazarus  with  a  peculiar  love, 
5 ;  knew  what  was  going  on 
at  a  distance,  4,  11,  14;  glorified 
the  Father,  4;  delayed  going  to  His 
loved  ones  who  seemed  to  need  His 
help  that  He  might  give  them  a 
greater  blessing,  6;  fearlessly  faced 
death  that  He  might  bring  bless- 
ing to  those  whom  He  loved,  8-16; 
taught  that  any  man  is  safe  and  no 
one  can  touch  him  until  his  work  is 
done,   9;   raised  the   dead,    11. 

(4)  How  He  was  treated : 
Depended   upon    and    sought    after    by 

those  who  believed  in  Him,  1-3;  hated 


and  persecuted  unto  death  by  the 
Jews,  8,  16;  misunderstood  by  His 
disciples,   12,   16. 

2.  Mary. 

An  object  of  the  Saviour's  peculiar 
love,  5;  annointed  Him  with  oint- 
ment and  wiped  his  feet  with  her 
hair,  2;  was  allowed  to  lose  her 
brother  for  a  time,  2;  had  her 
brother  restored  to  her  after  a  short 
sleep,  11-13;  sent  to  the  Lord  in 
her  extremity,  3 ;  her  Lord  whom 
she  loved  did  not  seem  to  heed  her 
message,  6;  though  apparently  dis- 
regarded, it  was  only  that  she  might 
obtain  a  greater  blessing,  6-15. 

3.  Lazarus. 

An  object  of  the  Lord's  peculiar  love, 
3,  s;  fell  sick,  3;  died,  14;  his 
death  apparent,  not  real,  4.  n;  after 
a  brief  sleep  raised  from  apparent 
death,  11, 

4.  Sickness. 

Is  for  the  glory  of  God,  4;  one 
whom  Jesus  loves  may  be  sick  even 
unto  death,  3,  5;  is  subject  to  the 
power  of  Jesus,  3,  11. 

5.  Death. 

Even  those  who  are  objects  of  our 
Lord's  love  may  appear  to  die,  3, 
5,  14;  the  apparent  death  of  those 
whom  He  loves  is  not  real  death, 
but  only  sleep,  4,  n.  I4;  when 
He  comes  apparent  death  gives 
place  to  resurrection,   11-15. 


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205 


LESSON  92. 
The  Resurrection  of  Lazarus.    John  11:17-45. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.    Our  Lord  and  Martha,  vv.  17-28. 

How  long  had  Lazarus  been  dead  and 
buried  when  our  Lord  reached  Bethany? 
Were  Martha  and  Mary  without  comfort- 
ers? Was  there  much  real  help  in  these 
comforters?  Who  is  the  great  Comforter? 
(Matt.    11:28.) 

What  glad  news  was  brought?  What 
did  Martha  do?  How  promptly?  Why  sc 
promptly?  Did  household  cares  keep  hei 
away  from  our  Lord  this  time?  (Com- 
pare Luke  10:39,  40-)  Why  did  not  Mary 
go  too  (vv.  28,  29)  ?  Why  was  it  Martha 
was  the  first  to  hear  of  our  Lord's  ap- 
proach? What  were  her  first  words  to 
Him?  Who  else  was  of  the  same  opin- 
ion (vv.  2,2,  37)"^  Was  it  true?  Why, 
then,  had  not  our  Lord  been  there?  (vv.  4, 
5,  6,  15.)  Did  it  seem  kind?  Was  there 
any  touch  of  reproof  or  complaint  in  the 
words  of  Martha?  (Compare  Luke  10:40.) 
Are  we  ever  tempted  to  complain  of  those 
dealings  of  our  Lord  which  we  cannot  for 
the  time  being  understand?  Was  there  any 
ground  for  complaint?  How  much  faith 
had  Martha  as  manifested  in  this  21st 
verse?  Do  we  find  anjrwhere  in  the  Gos- 
pels a  faith  that  went  beyond  that? 
(Matt.  8:8-10.)  What  further  faith  had 
she  (v.  22)?  Was  she  right  about  that? 
(v.  42.)  Can  we  get  to  a  place  where 
God  will  give  us  whatsoever  we  shall  ask? 
(i  John  3:22.)  What  was  it  Martha  de- 
sired our  Lord  to  ask?  Why  did  she  not 
say  so  plainly?  Did  she  get  what  she  de- 
sired? Does  He  ever  grant  us  the  things 
we  only  dare  hint  at? 

Did  He  understand  what  Martha  wished? 
What  did  He  say  (v.  23)  ?     What  does  He 


say  concerning  our  loved  ones  who  have 
fallen  asleep  in  Him? 

Did  this  answer  altogether  satisfy  Mar- 
tha? Why  not?  What  did  she  say?  Was 
her  theology  correct  in  this  matter?  (i 
Cor.  15:52.)  Where  had  she  learned  it? 
(Dan.  12:1,  2,  3;  John  5:28,  29.)  Was 
she  very  positive  about  it?  Can  you  say 
"I  know"  about  this  doctrine  of  the  resur- 
rection ? 

What  new  thought  about  "resurrection" 
and  "life"  did  our  Lord  give  Martha?  If 
then  we  wish  "resurrection"  and  "life"  what 
must  we  do?  (i  John  5:12.)  What  is 
the  difference  between  "resurrection"  and 
"life"?  (Phil.  3:21;  John  17:3.)  When 
do  we  get  "life"?  John 3:36;  i  John  5:12.) 
When  do  we  get  "resurrection"?  (Phil. 
3  :20,  21 ;  I  Cor.  15  :52.)  What  is  the  neces- 
sary corollary  of  our  Lord  being  "the  res- 
urrection" and  "the  life"?  What  is  meant 
by  the  assertion  that  "whosoever  liveth 
and  believeth  on  Me  shall  never  die"? 
(John  S:  24;  3:36;  6:50,  58;  i  John  5:10- 
12;  Ro.  8:13.)  Can  one  be  dead  in  the 
spirit  while  alive  in  the  body?  (i  Tim. 
5:6.)  Can  one  be  alive  in  the  spirit  while 
dead  in  the  body?  (i  Peter  3:18,  R.  V.; 
2   Cor.   5:8.) 

After  making  this  statement  about  Him- 
self what  question  did  our  Lord  put  to 
Martha?  Is  it  important  to  believe  this? 
Do  you  believe  it?     What  did  Martha  an- 


swer?     Was    her    faith 


this    very    firm 


(v.  39)  ?  What  further  did  she  say  she  be- 
lieved? Is  it  important  to  believe  that? 
(i  John  S:i,  5;  John  20:31.)  How  alone 
can  we  learn  this  wondrous  truth?  (Matt. 
16:16,  17.)  Did  Martha  wait  any  longer? 
Why  not?       What  did  she  do?         What 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


ought  every  one  to  do  who  finds  the  Lord 
and  the  comfort  there  is  in  Him?  (1:41, 
45.) 

2.  Our  Lord  and  Mary,  vv.  28-35. 

What  were  the  glad  tidings  Martha 
brought  to  Mary  (v.  28,  R.  V.)  ?  To 
whom  may  that  glad  information  always 
be  carried.  (Matt.  11:28;  Mark  10:49; 
Heb,  13:7.)  How  did  Mary  show  her  wis- 
dom? What  is  always  the  wisest  thing  to 
do  when  the  Master  calls?  (Ps.  27:8.) 
What  did  she  do  when  she  got  where  He 
was?  Had  she  ever  been  at  His  feet  be- 
fore? (Luke  10:39.)  Was  she  there  for 
the  same  purpose  now?  Is  "at  His  feet" 
a  good  place  to  get  sympathy  and  help  as 
well  as  instruction?  Had  Martha  fallen 
at  His  feet?  Why  not?  Which  got  the 
most  from  Him,  Mary  or  Martha?  What 
did  He  give  Martha  (vv.  23-26)  ?  What 
did  He  give  Mary   (vv.  33-35)? 

What  did  Mary  say?  How  did  she  come 
to  say  precisely  the  same  thing  that  Mar- 
tha did?  Was  there  any  complaint  in  it 
this  time?  What  did  our  Lord  do?  Was 
her  sorrow  to  be  of  any  great  duration? 
Had  it  any  good  foundation?  Why  then 
did  He  weep  too?  (Is.  63:9.)  What  is 
the  literal  translation  of  the  word  ren- 
dered "groaned"?  (R.  V.  margin.)  Toward 
whom  or  what  was  He  "moved  with  indig- 
nation" in  the  midst  of  His  sympathetic 
sorrow?  (Hosea  13:14;  i  Cor.  15:26; 
Heb.  2:14,  15.)  Is  this  the  only  instance  in 
which  He  is  reported  to  have  wept?  (Luke 
19:41.)  Is  there  anything  unmanly  in 
tears?     (Jer.  9:1;  13:17;  I4:i7-) 

3.  Our  Lord  and  Lasarus,  vv.  36-43. 

How  did  the  Jews  explain  His  tears? 
What  thought  did  some  of  them  have   (v. 


37)  ?    Could  He?    Did  they  dream  that  He 
could  do  more  than  that? 

What  did  He  do  at  these  words?  What 
did  He  bid  them  do?  Could  not  He  take 
away  the  stone  Himself?  Why  did  not 
He?  Before  He  speaks  the  word  that 
raises  our  dead,  what  must  we  do?  Did 
any  one  think  He  was  making  a  mistake? 
Does  it  make  any  difference  with  Him  how 
long  a  man  has  been  dead?  What  was  His 
reply  to  Martha's  protest?  What  is  then 
the  condition  of  our  seeing  the  glory  of 
God?     (2  Chron.  20:20.) 

How  did  they  show  they  did  believe 
(v.  41,  R.  V.)?  What  did  our  Lord  then 
do  first  of  all?  What  proof  had  He  that 
the  Father  had  heard  Him?  Had  Lazarus 
yet  come  forth?  Can  we  have  the  assur- 
ance our  prayers  are  heard  before  we  see 
the  thing  we  have  asked?  (i  John  5:14, 
15.)  When  we  have  that  assurance  what 
should  we  do  (v.  41)  ?  What  did  our  Lord 
say  He  knew?  Can  we  know  that  the 
Father  heareth  us  always?  (i  John  3: 
22;  5:14,  15.)  Why  did  our  Lord  say 
this?  What  did  He  wish  them  to  be- 
lieve  (17:8,  21,  25)  ? 

What  did  He  then  do?  With  what  ef- 
fect. Who  was  this  whose  voice  raised 
the  dead?  (Ps.  33:8,  9;  i  Sam.  2:6,  A. 
R.  V.)  How  did  this  resurrection  differ 
from  those  effected  through  Elijah  and 
Elisha?  (i  Kings  17:21,  22;  2  Kings 
4:33-36.)  How  was  it  more  remarkable 
than  the  other  resurrections  effected  by  our 
Lord  Himself?  In  it  what  do  we  see  sub- 
ject to  His  bare  word?  Will  He  ever 
again  speak  the  word  that  will  raise  the 
dead?  (John  5  :28,  29.)  Is  there  any  sense 
in  which  His  voice  raises  the  dead  today? 
(John  5:24.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


207 


What  did  He  bid  the  friends  do?  Why 
didn't  He  loose  him  Himself?  After  He 
has  raised  the  spiritually  dead,  is  there  any- 
thing for  us  to  do? 

What  was  the  effect  of  this  miracle? 
Was  their  faith  reasonable?  Has  it  that 
effect  upon  you? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Our  Lord. 

(i)     His  nature: 
Divine — death    subject    to    His    word, 
43,  44;  human,  17,  ZZ>  35- 

(2)  His  titles: 

Christ,  Son  of  God,  4;  Jesus,  14 
times;  Lord,  5  times;  Master  (teach- 
er), 28;  the  Resurrection,  the  Life, 
25. 

(3)  His  deahngs  with  man: 

Does  not  always  do  what  we  would  nat- 
urally expect,  17,  21 ;  seeks  His  loved 
ones  in  their  sorrow,  17;  is  near 
and  calls  them  unto  Himself,  28; 
grants  a  better  thing  than  the  loved 
ones  seek,  43,  44;  hears  the  prayer 
His  loved  ones  scarcely  dare  to  put 
into  words,  21-25,  43.  44;  instructed 
Martha,  22-26;  wept  with  Mary,  22- 
35;  is  indignant  at  death  and  Satan's 
devastation,  33;  demands  faith  as  a 
condition  of  beholding  God's  glor- 
ious working,  40;  demands  that  men 
take  away  the  stone  from  before  the 
sepulchre  before  He  speaks  the 
word  that  raises  the  dead,  39;  de- 
mands that  men  take  off  the  grave 
clothes  from  those  He  raises,  44; 
raises  men  long  dead,  corrupt,  bound 
and  shut  in  a  sepulchre,  43,  44; 
gives  life  to  all  that  believe — (a)  He 
that  believes  on  Him,  though  he  die, 


yet  shall  he  live,  25;  (b)  He  that 
liveth  and  believeth  on  Him  shall 
never  die,  26. 

(4)     His  relation  to  the  Father: 

Subordinate  to,  prays  to,  41 ;  the 
Father  heareth  Him  always,  42; 
grants  whatever  He  asks,  22;  He 
knew  that  the  Father  always  heard 
Him,  42;  believed  His  prayer  was 
heard  before  there  was  any  outward 
sign,  thanked  God  for  hearing  His 
prayer  even  before  the  thing  asked 
was  received,  41 ;  wished  men  to  be- 
lieve that  the  Father  had  sent  Him, 
42. 

2.     Martha. 

Bereft  of  one  she  dearly  loved, 
our  Lord  sought  her  in  her  be- 
reavement, 17-20;  had  many  com- 
forters before  He  came,  but  no  con- 
solation, 19;  as  soon  as  she  heard 
He  was  coming  she  went  to  meet 
Him,  20;  complained  of  His  deal- 
ings where  she  could  not  understand, 
21;  was  instructed  by  Him,  22-26; 
believed  that  if  He  had  been  present 
He  could  and  would  have  kept  her 
brother  from  dying,  21 ;  believed 
that  God  answered  prayer;  that  God 
could  raise  the  dead,  22;  believed  in 
the  resurrection,  24;  believed  that 
Jesus  was  the  Resurrection  and  the 
Life,  27;  believed  that  whosoever 
believed  in  Jesus,  though  he  died, 
yet  should  he  live,  25,  27;  believed 
that  whosoever  lived  and  believed  in 
Jesus  should  never  die,  26;  believed 
that  Jesus  was  the  Christ,  the  Son 
of  God,  He  that  should  come,  27; 
knew  that  God  would  grant  any- 
thing our  Lord  asked,  22;  knew  that 
her  brother  should  rise  again  in  the 


2C8 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


resurrection  at  the  last  day,  24; 
called  her  sister  Mary  to  the  Mas- 
ter who  had  comforted  her,  28;  her 
faith  momentarily  wavered,  she 
feared  the  Lord  was  making  a  mis- 
take, 39;  her  faith  was  reassured 
and  she  saw  the  glory  of  God,  40- 
44;  only  dared  hint  at  what  she  de- 
sired the  Lord  to  do,  21,  22;  got  the 
request  she  feared  to  make,  23,  44. 

Mary. 

Overwhelmed  with  grief,  20-32;  called 
by  the  Saviour  to  come  unto  Him, 
28;  arose  quickly  and  went  to  Him, 
29;  saw  Him,  fell  down  at  His  feet. 


32;    wept,    33;    received    the    tender 
sympathy   of   her   Lord;   33-35;   her 
brother  raised  to  life  again,  44. 
4.    Lazarus. 

(i)     What  he  was: 
A   long  time  dead,   17;      corrupt,   39; 
bound — hand    and    foot    and    mouth, 
44;   fastened  in  a  tomb,  38. 

(2)  What  was  done  for  him: 

The  stone  was  taken  away,  41 ;  our 
Lord  bade  him  come  forth,  43;  the 
grave  clothes  were  removed,  44. 

(3)  Results: 

He  received  life,  rose,  came  forth, 
received  liberty,  44;  many  believed, 
45- 


LESSON  93. 


The  Conspiracy  Formed  Against  the  Life  of  Our  Lord.    John  11 :46-57. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  The  origin  of  the  conspiracy,  vv.  46- 
52. 

What  are  the  Jewish  leaders  represent- 
ed as  doing  in  the  opening  verse  of  the 
lesson?  Of  what  was  this  a  fulfilment? 
(Ps.  2:2,  3;  Acts  4:25,  28.)  Was  this  the 
first  time  they  had  taken  counsel  against 
Christ?  (Mark  3:6.)  Was  it  the  last  time? 
(Matt.  26:3,  4;  27:1,  2.)  How  does  the 
Lord  regard  all  these  conspiracies  of  men 
against  Him  and  His  annointed?  (Ps. 
2:4,  5-) 

Was  it  some  evil  that  our  Lord  had 
done  of  which  the  Pharisees  complained 
(v.  47)  ?  Was  the  fact  that  He  did  signs 
a  sufficient  reason  for  plotting  His  de- 
struction? Would  it  alone  be  a  sufficient 
reason  for  accepting  Him?  (2  Thess.  2:9.) 
What   lay   at    the   bottom    of   the    conspir- 


acy? (Matt.  27:28;  21:38.)  What  were 
they  afraid  would  occur  if  they  left  Him' 
unhindered  in  His  work?  Would  it  have 
been  any  misfortune  if  all  men  had  be- 
lieved on  Him?  (1:7.)  In  trying  to  pre- 
vent men  from  believing  on  Him  whose 
work  were  they  doing?  (Luke  8:12.) 
What  does  Jesus  say  of  those  who  thus 
shut  men  out  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven? 
(Matt.  23:13.)  What  is  the  result  of  such 
a  course  of  action?  (i  Thess.  2:16; 
Matt.    2i:2>2:) 

What  further  were  they  afraid  would 
occur  if  all  the  people  came  to  believe  on 
Him?  Were  they  right  in  that  apprehen- 
sion? Did  they  save  their  city  and  na- 
tion by  killing  Christ?  (Luke  19:41-44; 
Matt.  22:7.)  Does  it  often  happen  that 
wicked  men  bring  upon  their  own  heads 
by  their  evil  actions  the  very  ruin  they  seek 
to  avert? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


209 


Who  came  to  the  front  with  a  proposi- 
tion as  to  how  to  stop  the  growth  of  our 
Lord's  popularity  and  to  avert  the  dreaded 
overthrow  by  the  Romans?    What  was  it? 

Was  he  not  right  in  saying:  "It  is  ex- 
pedient for  you  that  one  man  should  die 
for  the  people,  and  that  the  whole  nation 
perish  not"?  Did  it  follow  from  that  that 
they  ought  to  put  our  Lord  to  death.  (Ro. 
3:8.)  Was  it  in  reality  the  good  of  the 
nation  that  Caiaphas  had  at  heart?  What 
explanation  does  John  give  of  these  words 
of  Caiaphas?  Could  such  an  unprincipled 
man  as  Caiaphas  be  used  of  God  to  pro- 
claim the  truth?  (Num.  24:2,  14:25;  2 
Peter  2:15.)  Will  the  mere  gift  of  proph- 
ecy save  or  profit  a  man?  (Matt.  7:22, 
23;  I  Cor.  13:2.)  Did  Caiaphas  realize  the 
prophetic  import  of  his  own  words?  Was 
it  true  that  Jesus  would  die  for  the  na- 
tion? (Is.  53:8.)  Was  it  only  for  the 
nation  that  Jesus  died?  For  whom  did  He 
die?  What  would  be  the  result  of  His 
death?  (10:11,  16;  Is.  56:8;  Eph.  2:14- 
16.)  Who  are  these  who  are  gathered  into 
one  by  the  death  of  Christ?  What  then  is 
the  bond  of  unity  between  all  the  children 
of  God?  What  was  the  condition  of  God's 
children  at  that  time?  Is  that  their  condi- 
tion still?  Will  they  always  be  "scattered 
abroad"?  When  will  they  be  "gathered 
together  into  one"?  (Eph.  1:10;  i  Thess. 
4:16,   17;   Rev.  5:9.) 

What  was  the  effect  of  the  words  of  Cai- 
aphas? Was  he  any  worse  than  the  rest 
of  them?  Of  what  is  this  murderous  ha- 
tred of  Jesus  Christ  an  illustration?  (Jer. 
17:9;  Ro.  8:7.)  What  illustrates  the  same 
thing  today? 

2.  Our  Lord's  departure  into  Ephraim, 
•vv.  54-57- 

What  did  He  do  after  the  conspiracy 
against    Him    had    been    formed?      Until 


what  time  did  He  remain  in  seclusion? 
(12:1.)  What  did  He  do  while  in  seclu- 
sion? At  what  time  of  the  year  was  it 
(v.  55)  ?  What  was  the  state  of  the  coun- 
try at  that  time?  For  whom  were  those 
who  went  up  to  Jerusalem  especially  look- 
ing? What  query  was  made  on  every 
hand?  What  made  them  think  that  He 
might  not  come  up  to  the  feast  (v.  57)  ? 
How  strong  had  the  conspiracy  against 
Him   become? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 

(i)  What  He  did: 
Many  signs,  47;  raised  Lazarus  from 
the  dead,  12:9;  died  for  the  nation, 
51 ;  died  for  all  men,  by  His  death 
gathered  together  into  one  the  chil- 
dren of  God  that  were  scattered 
abroad,  52. 

(2)  How  He  was  received: 
Common  people  attracted  to  Him,  12  -.g ; 
many  believed  on  Him,  12:11;  envied 
by  the  leaders  of  the  people,  48; 
hated  by  the  leaders,  47-53,  8-1 1; 
His  death  determined  upon  by  the 
leaders,  53. 

2.  The  chief  priests  and  the  Pharisees. 
Feared,  envied  our  Lord,  47,  48,  37 ;  ha- 
ted Him,  47-53,  8-1 1 ;  confessed  His 
supernatural  powers,  47;  could  find 
no  flaw  in  his  character,  49;  endeav- 
ored to  hinder  men  from  believing  in 
Him,  46,  48;  conspired  against  Him, 
47-53;  plotted  His  death,  53;  plot- 
ted the  death  of  Lazarus  because  he 
was  a  living  witness  of  His  divine 
power,  12:10,  II;  sought  to  over- 
throw the  purposes  of  God  by  their 
hellish  plots,  47,  53 ;  brought  upon 
themselves  the  very  ruin  they  sought 
to  avert  by  their  wicked  plot,  48. 


210 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Coiaphas. 

Utterly  unscrupulous,  hated  our  Lord, 
advised  his  assassination,  49-53; 
sought  to  cover  the  infamy  of  his  de- 
sign by  specious,  pious  and  patriotic 
pleading,  50;  prophesied,  51;  carried 


out   his    plan   by   perversion   of    the 

truth,  50. 
The  children  of  God. 
Both     Jews      and      Gentiles,  scattered 

abroad,    gathered    together    into    one 

by  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ,  52. 


LESSON  94. 

The  Ten  Lepers.    Luke  17:11-19. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.  "Master,  have  mercy  on  us,"  w.  11- 
14. 

Whither  was  our  Lord  journeying?  Was 
it  important  that  He  get  there?  With  all 
His  eagerness  to  get  there  what  did  He 
find  time  to  do  by  the  way?  Where  was 
He  when  the  miracle  was  wrought?  Who 
met  Him?  What  sort  of  a  spectacle  did 
they  present?  Was  He  repelled  by  the 
spectacle?  Of  whom  are  the  lepers  a  type? 
In  what  respects?  How  did  there  come  to 
be  so  many  of  them  together?  How  did 
a  Samaritan  leper  come  to  be  with  Jew- 
ish lepers?  Was  the  meeting  accidental  on 
their  part?  How  did  they  come  to  go  out 
to  meet  Him?  Why  was  it  well  for  them 
that  they  went  to  meet  Him  that  day?  (He 
never  went  that  way  again.) 

What  position  did  they  take?  Of  what 
is  that  a  type?  (Eph.  2:13.)  Did  any 
of  them  ever  come  nigh  to  Christ  (v.  16)  ? 
What  brought  him  nigh?  What  brings 
the  sinner  nigh?  Why  did  they  stand  afar 
off?  (Lev.  13:4s,  46;  and  their  own  feel- 
ing.) Was  there  ever  a  leper  who  did  not 
stand  afar  off?  (5:12,  13.)  As  they  stood 
afar  off  what  did  they  do  ?  What  was  their 
cry?  Did  that  cry  fall  on  the  ears  of  our 
Lord  on  any  other  occasion?  (18:38,  39; 
Matt.  9:27;  15:22;  Luke  18:13.)  Was 
that  cry  ever  unheeded?    Will  it  ever  be? 


(Ro.  10;  13.)  What  is  all  the  poor  leper 
has  to  do  today  to  be  saved?  What  did 
these  lepers  believe?    What  did  they  get? 

What  will  we  get  from  Him?  (Matt. 
9:29.)  What  were  the  characteristics  of 
their  prayer? 

Had  our  Lord  seen  them  up  to  this 
point  (v.  14)?  Did  He  touch  them?  Why 
not?  (Compare  5:12,  13.)  What  did  He 
do?  What  had  they  sought?  What  did 
they  get?  Do  we  ever  seek  blessings  and 
get  commandments?  What  was  the  pur- 
pose of  that  command?  (Lev.  5:14,  etc.; 
Matt.   8:4.) 

How  did  they  show  their  faith?  Was 
there  any  change  in  them  when  they  start- 
ed? When  was  the  change  wrought?  (2 
Kings  5:14;  John  4:50,  53;  9:7.)  What  is 
the  surest  way  of  getting  Christ's  bless- 
ings?    (John  14:21,  23.) 

2.    "Where  are  the  nine?"  vv.  15-19. 

How  many  of  them  turned  back  to  give 
thanks?  What  became  of  the  others? 
What  were  the  nine  occupied  with?  (The 
gift.)  What  was  the  one  occupied  with? 
(The  Giver.)  Are  we  ever  so  occupied 
with  the  gift  that  we  forget  the  Giver? 
Is  there  any  command  in  God's  Word 
that  we  give  glory  to  Him?  (Ps.  29:1,  2; 
50:23;  107:20-22.)  What  is  His  purpose 
in  conferring  His  blessings  upon  us?     (Ps 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


211 


30:11,  12.)  What  will  be  the  result  if  men 
do  not  give  glory  to  Him  for  the  blessings 
conferred?  (2  Chron.  32:24,  25.)  How 
soon  did  the  one  turn  back?  Ought  our 
giving  thanks  to  be  as  specific  as  our 
prayers?  Is  it?  Is  our  gratitude  as  hearty 
as  it  should  be?  Are  men  usually  as 
hearty  in  their  praise  as  in  their  prayers? 
Did  the  one  do  anything  beside  return 
thanks?  Was  it  right  for  him  to  worship 
our  Lord?  (John  5:23.)  Of  what  is  the 
way  in  which  He  received  this  adoration 
a  proof?  (Acts  10:25,  26;  Rev.  19:10; 
22:8,  9.)  What  nationality  was  this  one? 
Is  there  any  lesson  in  that?  Had  the  fact 
of  his  being  a  Samaritan  anything  to  do 
with  Luke's  recording  the  incident? 
(10:33-35-) 

At  what  two  things  was  our  Lord  as- 
tonished? Is  He  any  less  astonished  at 
our  ingratitude  today?  Who  were  the 
three  who  in  our  Lord's  life  received  es- 
pecial praise  for  their  faith?  (Matt.  8:10; 
15:24-28;  text)  If  He  v/ere  here  today 
who  would  receive  His  especial  praise  for 
their  faith  and  appreciation — we  in  Chris- 
tian or  those  in  heathen  lands?  Who  will 
have  the  higher  places  hereafter?  (Matt. 
19:30-)  Was  our  Lord  grieved  at  this 
rank  ingratitude?  Is  He  at  ours?  Did 
He  withdraw  the  healing  from  the  un- 
grateful nine? 

What  did  He  call  the  Samaritan?  As 
an  alien  of  whom  is  he  a  type?  What 
did  He  say  to  him?  Had  he  any  larger 
blessing  when  he  left  our  Lord  this  time 
than  when  he  left  Him  first?  When  do 
we  get  the  largest  measure  of  blessing  from 
Christ?  Had  he  brought  any  joy  to  our 
Lord?  (Heb.  13:15,  16.)  What  had 
saved  him?  How  had  he  shown  it?  Was 
the  salvation  he  got  mere  healing? 


CLASSFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Our  Lord. 

His     divinity,     16;     humanity,    power, 
compassion,    14;    readiness    to    help, 
swiftness    to    hear,    11-14;    severity, 
amazement,  grief  at  ingratitude,  joy 
at  gratitude,  17,  18. 
Are  you  causing  Him  joy  or  grief? 
Is  He  amazed  at  your  forgetfulness  or 
love? 

2.  The  Samaritan  leper. 
(i)    What  he  was: 

Defiled,  outcast,  helpless,  perishing, 
a  leper,  12. 

(2)  What  he  did: 

Heard  of  our  Lord,  12;  came  to  meet 
Him,  12-19;  obeyed  Him,  14;  re- 
turned to  Him,  15;  gave  thanks  to 
Him,  worshiped  Him,  16. 

(3)  What  he  got: 

Cleansing,   14;  joy,  15;  salvation,  19; 
commendation,    18. 
J.    The  nine. 

Needed  our  Lord,  sought  Him,  12; 
were  blessed  by  Him,  14,  17;  forgot 
Him,  grieved  Him,  17,  18;  missed  the 
larger  blessing  from  Him,  19;  were 
rebuked  by  Him,  18. 

4.  An  answered  prayer. 

Humble,  12;  earnest,  believing,  brief, 
specific,    13. 

5.  Faith. 

Leads  to  our  Lord,  12;  to  prayer,  13; 

to  obedience,  14;  to  thanksgiving,  15. 

An   imperfect    faith    occupied   with   the 

gift;    a   perfect   faith   occupied  with   the 

giver. 

6.  Afar  off  and  made  nigh. 

Afar  oflF  by  sin,  12;  made  nigh  by 
redeeming  love,  16. 


212 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


LESSON  95. 
Our  Lord  Teaching  His  Disciples  to  Pray  Through.    Luke  18:1-8. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

On  what  subject  had  our  Lord  been 
speaking  in  the  verses  immediately  pre- 
ceding our  lesson?      (17:20-37.) 

What  is  it  He  sought  to  teach  by  the 
first  parable  in  this  chapter  (v.  i)  ?  What 
is  it  especially  that  we  ought  always  to 
pray  for  as  indicated  by  this  lesson  (v.  8)  ? 
(Rev.  22:20.)  Are  we  to  understand  that 
we  are  to  keep  on  praying  for  the  same 
thing  if  we  do  not  get  it  for  some  time? 
Is  there  any  other  parable  in  which  this 
same  lesson  is  taught?  (11:5-8.)  Are 
there  other  passages  in  the  Bible  in  which 
the  same  lesson  is  taught?  (Eph.  6:18, 
19;  Col.  4:2,  12.)  Why  does  not  God 
give  us  at  the  first  asking  the  things  we 
seek  of  Him?  What  is  it  that  this  verse 
tells  us  we  ought  not  to  do?  There  are 
two  things  the  Bible  teaches  us  not  to 
faint  in, — what  are  they?  (Compare  Gal. 
6:9 — Greek  of  "be  weary"  same  as  "faint" 
here.)  Are  we  tempted  to  faint  in  these 
things?  Why?  What  should  hold  us  up 
from    fainting  in    either? 

Who  are  the  two  characters  of  the  les- 
son? What  was  the  character  of  the 
judge?  Do  we  ever  find  such  judges  nowa- 
days? Why  do  men  have  such  bad 
judges?  Does  our  Lord  mean  to  teach 
that  God  is  like  this  judge,  and  that  by 
persistently  badgering  Him  we  can  get 
what  we  want?  What  then  is  the  point 
of  the  parable?  Of  whom  is  this  widow  a 
representation  (v.  7)?  In  what  respects? 
How  did  the  widow  gain  her  suit?     How 


will  the  elect  of  God  gain  their  suit  from 
Him?  If  we  desire  anything  from  Him 
what  should  we  do  then?  (Phil.  4:6.)  Is 
this  doctrine  very  popular  nowadays? 
Why   not? 

What  is  the  conclusion  that  our  Lord 
draws  from  the  parable  (vv.  7,  8)  ?  What 
is  the  point  of  the  argument?  If  we  are 
wronged  and  injured  by  adversaries,  what 
is  the  best  thing  to  do  about  it?  If  they 
keep  on  wronging  us  and  we  get  no  de- 
liverance in  answer  to  prayer,  what  is  the 
best  thing  to  do  about  it?  What  about 
the  character  of  prevailing  prayer  as  in- 
dicated by  the  use  of  the  word  "cry"? 
What  will  the  Lord  do  if  we  cry  day  and 
night  to  Him?  Do  you  really  believe  it? 
Is  there  any  need  of  going  to  law  then? 
How  will  He  avenge  us? 

What  question  does  our  Lord  ask  in 
closing  the  parable?  What  faith  does  He 
mean?  If  the  Lord  should  come  today 
would  He  find  much  of  this  sort  of  faith? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

Long  suffering,  7;   hears  prayer,  7,  8; 
avenges  His  elect,  8;  His  judgments 
— delayed,    swift,    sure,    7,    8. 
2.     The  church  in  the  present  dispensation. 
A  widow,  oppressed,  3;  crying  to  God, 
waiting   for   the   Lord,   7;    corrupted 
with   unbelief,    avenged   at   last,  8. 
S.    Prevailing  prayer. 

Unto  God,  by  the  elect,  7;  persistent, 
untiring,  i ;  unceasing — day  and  night, 
earnest,  7. 


STUDIES   IN   THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 
LESSON  96. 
The  Pharisee  and  the  Publican.    Luke  18 :9-14. 


213 


DrSCO\'ERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

7.   The  Pharisee,  vv.  9-12. 

To  whom  was  this  parable  spoken.  Have 
we  any  people  of  this  class  nowadays?  Are 
they  found  in  the  churches  or  out  of  them? 
What  other  parable  was  aimed  against  this 
class?  (15:29,30.)  What  sort  of  an  opin- 
ion do  men  who  despise  others  usually  have 
of  themselves?  How  do  they  get  such  a 
good  opinion  of  themselves  (vv.  11,  12)  ? 
What  sort  of  a  man  invariably  is  the  man 
who  despises  everybody  else?  If  a  man 
has  no  confidence  in  any  one  else,  in  whom 
does  he  always  have  a  great  deal  of  confi- 
dence?    Is  he  worthy  of  it? 

Who  are  the  two  characters  of  the  par- 
able? How  was  the  Pharisee  regarded  by 
the  men  of  our  Lord's  time?  How  was  the 
publican  regarded?      (Matt.  9:10,   il.) 

What  was  the  character  of  the  Pharisee's 
prayer?  Was  God  very  much  impressed 
with  the  virtues  which  he  paraded  before 
Him?  Had  he  any  real  thought  of  God? 
With  what  two  things  was  he  chiefly  occu- 
pied as  he  prayed?  How  many  persons  in 
his  estimation  were  in  the  same  class  with 
himself?  (v.  11,  R.  V.)  Do  we  ever  find 
men  nowadays  whose  whole  fund  of  ad- 
miration is  exhausted  upon  themselves? 
Who  else  beside  themselves  admires  such 
men?  How  does  God  regard  them?  (16: 
15.)  What  was  entirely  lacking  in  the 
Pharisee's  prayer?  Was  there  any  real 
thanksgiving?  Do  men  in  our  day  ever 
make  prayer  a  pretext  for  parading  their 
own  virtues?  Is  such  prayer  likely  to  be 
answered?  What  was  the  Pharisee  doing 
as  he  prayed?    What  evidence  is  there  that 


he  was  looking  around  for  some  one  to  act 
as  a  dark  background  for  his  own  shining 
virtues  (v.  11)?  Was  he  a  moral  man? 
A  religious  man?  A  large  giver?  Ortho- 
dox? A  saved  man?  What  is  the  prac- 
tical lesson  then? 

2.    The  publican,  vv.  13,  14. 

What  one  thing  occupied  the  publican's 
mind  in  his  prayer?  Why  had  he  no  time 
to  think  of  other  people's  sins?  How 
many  men  in  his  estimation  were  in  the 
same  class  as  himself?  (v.  13,  Greek, 
and  R.  V.  margin.)  Have  we  any  instance 
in  the  Bible  of  a  self-satisfied  Pharisee 
who  was  brought  to  the  place  the  publican 
took?  (i  Tim.  1:15.)  What  was  his  one 
petition?  What  did  he  rest  upon  as  the 
ground  upon  which  he  was  to  receive 
mercy?  (R.  V.  margin.)  Had  he  been  a 
good  man?  Was  he  saved?  What  is  the 
practical  lesson? 

Of  the  two  men  which  would  a  Jew 
have  thought  would  win  God's  favor? 
Which  really  won  it?  How  did  the  pub- 
lican go  down  to  his  house?  What  does 
"justified"  mean?  How  did  the  Pharisee 
go  down  to  his  house?  Why  was  the  pub- 
lican justified?  But  the  Pharisee  unjusti- 
fied? What  is  all  any  one  needs  to  do  to 
get  pardon?  What  is  the  general  principle 
Christ  announces?  Is  it  found  elsewhere 
in  the  Bible?  If  we  want  then  to  get  up, 
what  must  we  first  do?  (Compare  Phil. 
2:9,  etc.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 
/.     God. 

Hears  prayer,  justifies  great  sinners, 
pardons  the  penitent,  damns  the  self- 
righteous,  13,  14. 


214 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


2.    Man. 

Self-n'ghteous,  blind  to  his  own  faults, 

open-eyed    to    others'    faults,    ii;    in 

need  of  pardon,  14. 
S-     Prevailing  prayer. 

(1)  To  whom  to  pray — God,  13. 

(2)  How  to  pray — humbly,  earnestly, 
definitely,  personally,  briefly,  13. 

(3)  For   what   to   pray — mercy,    13. 

(4)  For  whom  to  pray — yourself,  13. 
4.    Hoiv  to  be  lost  and  hoiu  to  be  saved. 

(i)  The  Pharisee  highly  esteemed  by 
self  and  by  others,  moral,  religious, 
orthodox,  generous,  but  he  refused 
to   take  the   sinner's   place   and   was 


lost,  11;  the  pubhcan  despised  by  self 
and  by  others,  sinful,  13 ;  but  he  took 
the  sinner's  place,  sought  mercy, 
rested  on  the  blood,  and  was  saved, 

14- 

(2)  The  Pharisee  justified  himself 
and  God  condemned  him,  11,  12,  14; 
the  publican  condemned  himself  and 
God  justified  him,   13,   14. 

(3)  The  publican  came  to  God  and 
talked  of  his  sins,  and  God  forgave 
him,  13,  14;  the  Pharisee  came  to 
God  and  talked  of  his  virtues,  and 
God  sent  him  away  empty,  11,  12, 
14. 


LESSON  97. 
Jesus'    Teaching    Concerning    Marriage,    Divorce    and    Children. 
19:3-15;  compare  Mark  10:2-16;  Luke  18:15-17. 


Matt. 


DISCOVERY   OF    THE   FACTS. 

/.  The  unnatiiralness  and  wickedness  of 
divorce,  vv.  j-p. 

What  class  of  persons  do  we  see  com- 
ing to  Jesus  in  the  first  verse  of  the  les- 
son? For  what  purpose  did  they  come 
to  Jesus?  Did  they  often  come  to  Him 
in  this  way?  (Compare  16:1 ;  22:15-18,  35; 
Luke  11:53,  54-)  What  is  the  force  of 
the  word  "tempting"?  (See  Am.  R.  V.) 
What  was  their  object  in  thus  "trying" 
or  testing  Jesus?  (Compare  John  8:6.) 
What  question  did  they  put  to  Jesus  in 
order  to  try  Him?  Were  they  really 
seeking  information?  Had  Jesus  already 
given  any  instruction  on  this  point?  (Matt. 
5:31.  32.)  What  makes  this  question  a 
very  important  one  in  our  own  day?  To 
what  did  Jesus  refer  them  for  an  answer 
(v.  4)  ? 

Was  Jesus  accustomed  to  refer  men  to 
the     Old     Testament     Scriptures     for     an 


answer  to  their  moral  and  religious  ques- 
tions? (12:3;  21:16.  42;  22:31;  Mark 
2:25;  Luke  10:26.)  What  was  Jesus'  own 
view  of  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures  as 
an  authority  on  moral  and  spiritual  sub- 
jects? (John  10:35;  Luke  24:27,  44;  Luke 
16:29,  3I-)  What  passage  from  the  Old 
Testament  did  Jesus  cite  in  this  instance? 
(Compare  Gen.  1:26;  5:2;  Mai.  2:14,  15; 
Gen.  2:21-24;  Eph.  5:31.)  How  did  the 
Old  Testament  citation  answer  their  ques- 
tion? Who  has  the  superior  claim  upon 
a  man,  father,  mother  or  wife?  (v.  s; 
compare  Eph.  5:31.)  When  a  man  for- 
sakes his  wife,  or  when  a  woman  forsakes 
her  husband,  for  father  or  mother  or  any 
one  else,  who  are  they  disobeying?  What 
do  husband  and  wife  become  ?  How  ought 
a  husband  to  treat  a  wife?  (Eph.  5  :25-28.>> 
How  ought  a  wife  to  treat  a  husband? 
(Eph.  5:22,  23.)  Who  has  joined  husband 
and  wife  together?    For  how  long  has  He 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


215 


joined  them  together?  (Ro.  7:2;  i  Cor. 
7:10,  14.)  What  then  ought  no  man  dare 
to  do?  What  difficulty  did  the  apostles 
bring  up  at  this  point?  Did  it  seem  like 
a  real  difficulty? 

Where  had  Moses  given  commandment 
to  give  a  bill  of  divorcement?  (Deut. 
24:1-4.)  What  answer  did  Jesus  give  to 
their  difficulty  (v.  8)  ?  What  is  the  point 
of  the  answer?  Was  the  law  of  Moses 
anything  beside  a  moral  code?  Under  a 
legislative  enactment  what  must  we  regard 
besides  the  highest  moral  requirements  in 
the  case?  For  what  reason  did  Moses  per- 
mit divorce?  Was  this  wise?  Had  divorce 
been  a  part  of  God's  original  plan?  (Com- 
pare 2:24;  T.T.')  What  awful  indictment 
did  Jesus  bring  against  any  man  who  put 
away  his  wife  and  married  another  (v.  9)  ? 
Was  there  any  exception?  Does  the  word 
"fornication"  refer  only  to  an  act  of  illicit 
intercourse  committed  by  a  person  before 
marriage  or  is  it  the  generic  word  applying 
to  adultery  as  well?  (Ezek.  16:8,  15,  29; 
I  Cor.  5:1.)  Is  adultery  a  sufficient  ground 
of  divorce  in  God's  sight?  (Jer.  3:8.) 
What  indictment  does  Jesus  bring  against 
the  man  who  marries  a  divorced  woman? 
Does  Paul  allow  any  exception?  (Ro. 
7:2,  3;  I  Cor.  7:39.)  Why  does  not  Paul 
state  the  exception  in  these  passages?  Has 
a  man  whose  wife  has  been  untrue  a  right 
to  put  her  away   and  marry  another? 

2.  Is  it  better  to  marry  or  not  to 
marry?,  vv.  10-12. 

What  was  the  disciples'  reply  to  Jesus' 
teaching  about  divorce  (v.  10)?  What  did 
that  reveal  of  their  own  hearts?  Accord- 
ing to  the  teaching  of  the  Bible  is  it  a 
good  thing  to  marry?  (Gen.  2:18;  Prov. 
5:15-19;  18:22;  21:9,  19;  I  Tim.  4:3;  S"-ii- 
15;  I  Cor.  7:1,  2.)  Do  conditions  ever 
exist  in  which  it  is  better  not  to  marry? 


(i  Cor.  7:8,  26-28,  32-35,  40.)  What  was 
Jesus'  answer  to  the  statement  of  His 
disciples  that  it  was  not  expedient  to 
marry?     What  is  the  point  of  this  answer? 

3.    Jesus  and  the  children,  vv.  13-15- 

Who  were  brought  to  Jesus  just  at  this 
point?  How  old  were  these  children? 
(Luke  18:15,  R.  v.;  Mark  10:16.)  For 
what  purpose  were  these  children  brought 
to  Jesus?  (v.  13;  compare  Mark  10:13; 
Luke  18:15.)  Were  these  parents  wise  to 
bring  their  babes  to  Jesus?  Would  His 
laying  His  hands  on  them  and  praying  do 
them  any  good?  What  ought  we  to  do 
with  our  babes  today?  How  did  the  dis- 
ciples regard  the  bringing  of  the  children 
to  Jesus?  Why  did  they  think  such  action 
worthy  of  rebuke?  While  the  disciples 
rebuked  the  mothers  for  bringing  their 
children  to  Jesus,  how  did  Jesus  feel 
toward  the  disciples?  (Mark  10:14.)  How 
does  Jesus  feel  today  toward  any  one  who 
tries  to  keep  little  children  from  Him? 
What  did  Jesus  say?  What  did  He  mean 
by  saying,  "Of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven."  (Compare  18:1-3;  11:25;  i  Cor. 
14:20;  I  Peter  2:1,  2.) 

Is  a  child  a  member  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  before  it  is  born  again?  (John 
3:3,  5.)  Is  a  child  peculiarly  fitted  to 
receive  Jesus  and  thus  be  born  again  and 
to  become  a  member  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven?  What  did  Jesus  do  with  the  chil- 
dren:^ (v.  15;  compare  Mark  10:16.)  Was 
any  actual  blessing  imparted  to  these  babes 
by  Jesus  laying  His  hands  on  them?  How 
old  must  a  child  be  before  the  Spirit  of 
God  can  work  in  his  heart?  (Luke  1:15.) 
What  prophecy  was  being  fulfilled  in  Jesus 
taking  the  children  in  His  arms?  (Is. 
40:11.)  Do  children  of  believing  parents 
stand  in  any  different  relation  to  God  and 


216 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


the  kingdom  from  that  in  which  children 
of  unbelieving  parents  stand  to  Him?  (l 
Cor.  7:14.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus   Christ. 

His  wisdom;  able  to  answer  at  any- 
time any  question  put  to  Him,  3-9, 
10-12;  loyalty  to  the  Old  Testament 
Scriptures — to  them  He  always  ap- 
pealed as  a  conclusive  authority  to 
answer  every  question,  4,  5,  6,  8; 
ready  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures, 
4,  5,  6,  7,  8;  high  estimation  of  the 
marriage  relation,  5-9;  love  for  chil- 
dren, 13;  power  to  bless  children, 
13-15. 

2.  The  disciples. 

Their    low    standard    of    conduct,    10; 
contempt  for  children,  13;  Jesus'  dis- 
agreement and  displeasure  with  them, 
14;  compare  Mark  10:14. 
S.     Marriage. 

Instituted    by    God,    6;    its    sacredness, 


5-9;  duration — as  long  as  life  lasts, 
5-9;  deep  unity,  5,  6;  may  be  inex- 
pedient under  some  circumstances, 
12. 

4.  Divorce. 

Abominable  in  the  sight  of  God,  6; 
not  a  part  of  God's  original  plan,  8; 
permitted  temporarily  only  because 
of  the  kardness  of  men's  hearts,  8; 
testimony  against  the  hardness  of 
the  hearts  of  men,  8;  permissible 
only  on  one  ground,  9;  if  undertaken 
on  any  other  ground  a  disgusting 
sin,  9. 

5.  Little   children. 

The  peculiar  objects  of  Jesus'  love, 
13-15;  should  be  brought  to  Jesus, 
13,  14;  can  receive  a  divine  bless- 
ing from  Jesus,  14,  15;  peculiarly 
fitted  to  receive  the  truth  that  will 
make  them  members  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  14. 


LESSON  98. 


The    Rich    Young    Ruler. 


Mark     10:17-27;    compare    Matt.     19:16-26; 
Luke  18:18-27. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE  FACTS. 

I.  Possessing  many  things,  yet  not  sat- 
isfied, vv.  17-20. 

What  did  the  young  man  who  came  to 
Jesus  have?  Did  all  these  things  save 
him?  Will  they  save  anyone?  What  ques- 
tion did  he  put  to  Jesus?  What  did  that 
question  imply?  Can  any  man  get  eternal 
life  by  doing?  (Gal.  2:16;  Ro.  6:23.)  Did 
Jesus  in  His  reply  "Why  callest  thou  me 
good?"  mean  to  imply  that  He  was  not 
good?  (John  8:46;  14:30;  8:29.)  What 
was  the  purpose  of  this  reply?  If  Jesus 
was  good,  what  more  also  must  He  have 


been?  To  what  did  Jesus  point  the  young 
man?  Why  did  He  send  him  to  the  Law? 
(v.  17;  Ro.  3:20.)  Whom  does  Jesus  send 
to  the  Law?  Whom  does  He  send  to  the 
Gospel?  (i  Tim.  1:15.)  What  does 
Matthew  tell  us  Jesus  added  to  His  cita- 
tions from  the  Ten  Commandments? 
(Matt.  19:18,  19.)  What  did  the  young 
ruler  reply?  Was  that  true?'  Was  he 
sincere?    Was  he  satisfied?     (Matt.  19:20.) 

2.  Lacking  one  thing  and  lost,  vv. 
21,  22. 

How  did  Jesus  regard  him?  Was  Jesus 
pleased  with  him?     (Ro.  8:8.)     Did  Jesus 


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217 


love  him  any  more  than  He  did  the  woman 
who  was  a  sinner  who  came  to  Him? 
Had  he  any  less  need  than  the  woman? 
What  appealed  most  strongly  to  the 
Saviour's  love?  (Luke  15:4.)  Why  did 
He  then  love  the  young  man?  Did  Jesus' 
love  for  the  young  man  keep  Him  from 
dealing  very  plainly  with  him?  What  did 
He  tell  him?  Is  it  very  important  to  lack 
one  thing?  What  was  the  one  thing  that 
he  lacked?  What  was  Jesus'  purpose  in 
telling  him  to  sell  all  his  goods  and  give 
to  the  poor?  Does  this  command  hold 
for  all  who  would  follow  Jesus?  (Luke 
14:33.)  Why  did  Jesus  call  upon  him  to 
give  up  his  wealth?  Does  Jesus  usually 
call  upon  those  who  would  come  after  Him 
to  give  up  something?  What  is  it  that 
Jesus  always  puts  His  finger  upon,  and 
says :  "Will  you  give  that  up  for  me  ?" 
What  is  the  only  thing  that  will  make  it 
easy  to  give  up  all  for  Jesus?  (2  Cor. 
5:14,  15.)  How  is  the  only  way  to  get 
that  love  that  makes  it  easy  to  give  up 
all  for  Him?  (i  John  4:19.)  Are  we 
saved  by  loving,  or  is  our  loving  the  result 
of  being  saved?      (Luke  7:47,  50.) 

What  did  Jesus  tell  the  young  man  would 
be  the  result  of  selling  all?  Which  is  the 
best  place  to  have  treasure?  (Matt.  6:19, 
20.)  Was  "Go  sell,  and  give  to  the  poor" 
all  that  Jesus  bade  the  young  man  do? 
Would  the  mere  selling,  etc.,  amount  to 
much  in  itself?  (i  Cor,  13:3.)  What  was 
the  effect  of  Christ's  answer  on  the  young 
man?  Did  he  really  love  his  neighbor  as 
himself?  Did  he  have  great  possessions 
or  did  they  have  him?  What  did  he  get 
by  coming  to  Jesus?  What  did  he  miss 
by  turning  away  from  Jesus  rather  than 
give  up  his  treasures?  Did  he  keep  those 
treasures  very  long?  Can  men  today  keep 
very  long  the  things  that  they  are  not  very 
willing  to   give   up    for   Christ?      (i    John 


2:17.)  Did  the  young  man  want  eternal 
life?  What  did  he  want  more?  Was 
that  a  wise  choice?     Is  it  a  common  one? 

3.     The  dangers  of  wealth,  vv.  23-27. 

What  general  lesson  does  Jesus  draw 
from  this  incident?  Is  there  any  special 
peril  in  riches?  (Prov.  30:8;  Matt.  13:22; 
I  Tim.  6:9,  10.)  Is  it  only  those  who 
are  rich  who  fall  into  a  snare?  Are  there 
any  persons  nowadays  who  are  willing  to 
run  the  risk?  What  petition  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  would  they  do  well  to  bear  in 
mind?  (Matt.  6:13.)  Are  there  many 
rich  men  saved?  (i  Cor.  1:26;  Jas.  2:5, 
6.)  What  was  the  effect  of  Christ's  words 
upon  the  disciples  ?  How  does  He  explain 
them?  (Mark  10:24.)  Is  a  man  who  has 
riches  likely  to  trust  in  them?  Do  any 
others    trust    in    them? 

What  strong  figure  does  Jesus  use  to 
illustrate  the  impossibility  of  a  rich  man 
entering  into  the  kingdom  of  God?  How 
did  the  disciples  express  their  amazement? 
Why  did  they  ask  this  question?  What  is 
God's  answer  to  their  question?  (Ro. 
10:13.)  How  does  Jesus  meet  their  per- 
plexity? Is  it  possible  for  God  to  save 
a  rich  man?  Can  anything  but  the  special 
grace  of  God  save  a  rich  man?  What 
does  a  rich  man,  then,  need  to  do  if  he 
would  be  saved?  In  face  of  all  the  in- 
surmountable barriers  in  the  way  to  eter- 
nal life,  what  is  the  one  all-comforting 
thought?     (Gen.  18:14.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 
7.      Jesus. 

His  divinity,  18;  humanity,  21;  recog- 
nized as  a  good  man  and  authorita- 
tive teacher  by  one  who  did  not 
recognize  His  divinity,  17,  18;  will 
not  accept  the  ascription  of  good- 
ness from  one  who  does  not  recog- 
nize His  divinity,  18;  demands  that 
men  understand  the  real  purport  of 


218 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


the  titles  they  ascribe  to  Him,  i8; 
demands  that  those  who  would  be 
with  Him  hereafter  follow  Him  here, 
21 ;  loves  men  who  are  lost  and 
don't  know  it,  21 ;  deals  very  plainly 
with  those  whom  He  loves,  21 ; 
sends  the  self-righteous  to  the  Law 
that  they  may  find  that  they  are 
sinners,  19-22 ;  exposes  to  men  the 
imperfection  of  their  professed  ob- 
servance of  the  Law,  21 ;  points  out 
to  men  their  unrecognized  but  fatal 
lack,  21 ;  knows  just  what  our  idols 
are  and  demands  their  surrender,  21. 
2.     The  rich  young  ruler. 

(i)  What  he  had: 
Great  possessions,  22;  position,  Luke 
18:18;  culture,  Luke  18:18;  exem- 
plary morality,  20;  noteworthy 
amiability,  21 ;  intense  earnestness, 
17;  undoubted  sincerity,  17,  21 ;  great 
moral  courage,  17;  recognized  piety, 
Luke  18:18;  noble  aspiration,  17; 
benevolence,  Luke  18:18;  was  not 
satisfied.  Matt.  19:20;  lacked  one 
thing  and  that  lack  of  only  one  thing 
was  a  fatal  lack,  21. 

(2)     What  he  lacked: 
A    supreme    love    for    Jesus ;    he    was 
willing   to   do   much    at   His    bidding 
(17)    but    not    anything    and    every- 
thing (21,  22)  ;  loved  one  thing  more 


than   Christ   and  was  not   willing   to 
give  it  up  at  Christ's  bidding,  21,  22. 

(3)  What  he  did: 

Ran  to  meet  Jesus,  17;  kneeled  to 
Jesus,  17;  inquired  the  way  of  life 
from  Jesus,  17;  made  his  boast  in 
the  Law,   20. 

(4)  What   he   was : 

Was  mistaken  in  his  professed  observ- 
ance of  the  Law,  Matt.  19:19;  com- 
pare vv.  21,  22;  loved  by  Jesus,  21; 
shown  the  way  of  life,  21. 

(5)  What  he  was  told  to  do: 

Sell  all  he  had,  21 ;  give  all  to  the 
poor,  21 ;  "Follow  me,"  21. 

(6)  What   he   was  promised : 
Treasure  in  heaven,  21. 

(7)  The  result: 

He   went   away  sorrowful,   22. 

(8)  The    reason: 

He  had  great  possessions  or  his  great 
possessions   had  him,  22. 
.    Riches. 

A  source  of  great  peril,  23,  25 ;  must 
be  held  subject  to  Christ's  will  and 
surrendered  at  His  bidding,  21; 
trusted  in,  they  exclude  from  the 
kingdom  of  God,  24 ;  expended  at 
Christ's  bidding,  they  bring  heavenly 
treasure,  21 ;  are  oftentimes  chosen 
at  cost  of  eternal  life  and  treasure 
in  heaven,  21,  22. 


LESSON  99. 

How  God  Rewards  His  Servants.     Matt.  19:27  to  20:16;  compare  Mark 

10:28-31;  Luke  18:28-30. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE   FACTS. 

J.  The  reivard  of  sacrifice  for  Christ, 
19:27-30. 

What  occasioned  Peter's  question?  (yv. 
21,  22,  23-26.)  What  did  Peter  say  they 
had  done?     Was  that  true?     (Luke  5:11, 


27,  28.)  Who  must  forsake  all?  (Luke 
14:33-)  What  makes  it  very  easy  to  for- 
sake all?  (Phil.  3:8.)  On  the  basis  of 
having  forsaken  all,  what  did  Peter  wish 
to  know?  What  did  this  question  show? 
Are  there  any  today  anxious  to  know  what 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


219 


they  are  going  to  get  for  forsaking  all  for 
Christ?  If  one  appreciates  what  Christ 
has  done  for  him  and  really  loves  Him, 
will  he  ask  such  questions  as  this  ?  What 
did  Jesus  say  they  would  have?  Are 
thrones  promised  unto  the  twelve  alone? 
(Rev.  3:21 ;  I  Cor.  6:2,  3.) 

What  is  the  necessary  condition  of  our 
reigning  with  Him?  (2  Tim.  2:12.)  When 
were  they  to  have  these  thrones?  What 
is  meant  by  "in  the  regeneration"?  (Is. 
65  :i7 ;  66  -.22 ;  Acts  3  :2i ;  Rev.  21  :S  ;  2  Peter 
3:13.)  What  did  Jesus  say  would  be  the 
reward  of  those  who  left  anything  for 
His  name's  sake?  What  was  it  they  were 
to  receive  a  hundredfold?  (Mark  10:30.) 
Is  that  true?  Does  it  pay,  then,  to  make 
sacrifices  for  Christ?  What  were  they 
to  receive  with  the  hundredfold?  (Mark 
10:30.)  Is  that  persecution  to  be  dreaded? 
(Matt.  5:10,  12;  Acts  5:41.)  When  is 
this  hundredfold  to  be  received?  (Mark 
10:30;  Luke  18:29,  30.)  How  many  of 
those  who  have  left  anything  for  Christ's 
name's  sake  are  thus  to  receive?  To  what 
was  the  expression  "inherit  eternal  life," 
a  reference?  (Mark  10:17.)  What  warn- 
ing did  Jesus  utter  lest  any  should  mis- 
understand these  words?  What  suggested 
the  need  of  this  warning   (v.  27)  ? 

^.     The  call  to  scrz'icc,  20:1-/. 

By  what  parable  did  Jesus  explain  these 
words?  What  gave  rise  to  the  utterance 
of  this  parable  (c.  19:27-30)?  What  is 
the  connection  between  the  parable  and 
Peter's  question?  What  is  the  central 
thought  that  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  parable 
to  teach?  (19:30;  20:16.)  Why  is  it  that 
many  first  shall  be  last  and  many  last  first 
(vv.  12,  13,  14)  ?  What  is  the  greatest 
historic  fulfilment  of  this  truth?  (c.  8:ir, 
12;  Luke  13:28-30;  Ro.  9:30-33.)  W^hat 
other  fulfilment  of  it  was  there  in  that 
day?      (Matt.  21:31,  32;   Luke  18:13,   14.) 


Are  these  the  only  fulfilments?  Is  there 
likely  to  be  a  fulfilment  in  our  day  in 
America  and  the  heathen  nations  (or  in 
the  favored  and  neglected  classes)  ?  Who 
is  representd  by  the  householder  in  this 
parable?  (13:27;  21:33.)  What  is  repre- 
sented by  the  vineyard?  (Is.  5:7  and  c. 
21:33,  43-)  Who  are  represented  by  those 
first  called  into  the  vineyard?  Whom  did 
Jesus  have  in  mind  (c.  19:27)?  What 
does  the  penny  represent?  How  much  does 
the  penny  equal  of  our  money?  Was  it 
a  fair  day's  wages?  Anything  taught  by 
that?  (Eph.  6:8;  Heb.  6:10.)  Where 
were  they  sent  to  work?  From  whom 
must  the  call  come  before  we  can  work 
in  the  vineyard? 

Did  any  start  to  work  before  called? 
Does  any  one  ever  apply  to  God  before 
God  calls  him?  (John  15:16.)  To  what 
was  the  call?  To  what  had  Peter's  own 
call  been?  (Mark  1:17.)  Who  are  repre- 
sented by  those  called  at  the  third  hour? 
Did  the  householder  make  as  definite  a 
bargain  with  them?  Did  they  demand  it? 
Why  not?  Which  was  the  higher  type  of 
service?  Which  did  the  larger  amount 
of  service?  Which  counts  most  with  God, 
quantity  or  character  of  service?  Which 
got  the  larger  reward  in  proportion  to 
the  amount  of  service  rendered?  Is  there 
any  lesson  in  that?  If  a  man  works  for 
the  reward,  how  great  a  reward  will  he 
get?  If  he  works  in  simple  trust,  leaving 
the  question  of  amount  of  reward  to  God, 
how  much  will  he  get?  (Eph.  3:20.)  Did 
the  householder  keep  his  promise  that  he 
would  give  what  is  right?  Can  you  give 
any  illustration  of  one  called  at  thg_  sixth 
or  ninth  hour?  (Gen.  12:1-4;  Josh.  24:2, 
3.)  What  is  the  last  hour  he  went  out? 
How  many  hours  were  there  in  the  work- 
ing day?  What  did  he  find?  What  were 
all  the  men  that  he  found  outside  of  the 


220 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


vineyard  at  different  hours  doing?  Ts 
there  any  lesson  in  that?  What  question 
does  he  put  to  them?  What  question  does 
God  put  to  every  idler? 
J.  The  rewards  of  service,  vv.  S-i6. 
What  was  their  answer?  Was  that  a 
sufficient  answer?  Would  any  other  answer 
have  been  sufficient?  Can  any  of  us  give 
that  answer?  Is  there  any  comfort  in  this 
parable  to  those  who  have  had  call  after 
call  and  not  responded?  To  what  call 
had  these  laborers  responded?  What  did 
he  say?  Have  we  any  illustration  in  the 
Bible  of  one  called  at  the  eleventh  hour? 
(Luke  23:40-43.)  When  was  a  reckoning 
made?  What  does  that  mean?  (2  Tim. 
4:8.)  What  was  done  at  even?  What 
does  that  represent?  (2  Cor.  5:10.)  What 
does  the  steward  of  the  parable  represent? 
(Heb.  3:6;  John  5:27;  Rev.  2:7,  10,  17, 
28.)  What  was  given  those  who  began 
at  the  eleventh  hour?  Had  they  a  right 
to  expect  that  much?  Why  did  they  re- 
ceive more  than  they  had  a  right  to  ex- 
pect? 

Is  it  only  a  believer's  salvation,  then, 
that  is  a  matter  of  grace?  In  what  case 
is  a  believer's  reward  a  matter  of  abound- 
ing grace?  What  was  their  feeling  when 
they  got  so  much?  What  will  our  feeling 
be  when  rewards  are  distributed  if  we 
have  served  from  love?  What  did  those 
who  began  early  in  the  day  expect?  Had 
they  any  right  to  expect  that?  What  does 
this  unfounded  expectation  represent?  Will 
those  who  expect  the  largest  reward  get 
the  largest  reward?  What  did  they  get? 
If  they  had  worked  from  the  first  hour 
and  not  bargained  with  the  Lord  but  just 
trusted  it  all  to  Him,  would  they  have 
received  only  a  penny?  Is  this  intended 
to  teach  that  if  one  enters  work  at  the 
eleventh  hour  he  will  get  just  as  much 
as  if  he  had  entered  at  the  first  hour?     Is 


it  intended  to  teach  that  all  God's  servants 
get  the  same  reward?  (i  Cor.  3:8;  Luke 
19:11-27.)  Does  it  teach  that  those  who 
bear  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day  will 
get  no  more  than  those  who  work  only 
one  cool  evening  hour?  (2  Tim.  2:12; 
2  Cor.  4:17.)  Does  it  teach  that  one  hour's 
service  in  the  spirit  of  humble  trust,  that 
leaves  the  reward  as  a  matter  of  grace  to 
God,  will  be  at  least  as  abundantly  re- 
warded as  twelve  hours'  legal  service  that 
tries  to  drive  a  close  bargain  with  God 
and  seeks  a  reward  as  a  matter  of  debt? 
How  did  those  who  had  worked  the 
twelve  hours  receive  their  pay?  Had  they 
a  right  to  murmur?  Will  there  really  be 
murmuring  against  God's  distribution  of 
reward?  Against  what  is  this  a  warn- 
ing? Against  whom  did  they  murmur? 
Was  that  a  slight  offense?  Against  whom 
is  all  murmuring  in  the  last  analysis?  (Ex. 
16:8.)  What  was  the  Lord's  answer? 
What  were  the  three  points  in  the  answer? 
(See  Revised  Version.)  Was  the  answer 
sufficient?  What  thought  is  contained  in 
the  question,  "Is  it  not  lawful  for  me 
to  do  what  I  will  with  mine  own"?  (Ex. 
33:19;  Jer.  27:5;  Ro.  9:15-21;  Eph.  i:ii.) 
Has  any  one  a  right  to  call  God  to  ac- 
count? (Ro.  9:19,  20.)  Do  any  ever 
attempt  to  do  it?  What  is  God's  answer 
to  all  who  would  call  Him  to  account 
(v.  is)  ?  While  God  does  as  He  will, 
what  does  He  always  will  to  do?  Where 
did  the  householder  show  that  real  fault 
lay  (v.  15)  ?  When  men  murmur  at  God's 
dealings  is  the  difficulty  with  Him  or  their 
vision?  How  did  the  Lord  close  the  para- 
ble? Why  are  the  last  ofttimes  first  and 
the  first  last? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     God. 

(i)      His    sovereignty: 
Calls   whom   He  will,   1-8;   calls  when 


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221 


He  will,  1-8;  rewards  as  He  will, 
9-15;  has  a  right  to  do  what  He 
will  with  His  own,  15 ;  under  no 
obligation  to  explain  to  any  one  why 
He  does  as  He  does,  15 ;  does  as 
He  pleases,  but  always  pleases  to 
do  right,  13,  15. 

(2)  His  truth: 

Never    does    less   than    He   agrees,    13. 

(3)  His  grace: 

Often  does  better  than  He  agrees,  9; 
men's  complaints  at  His  dealings  rise 
from  the  blindness  of  their  own 
envy,  and  not  from  the  lack  of  His 
goodness. 

(4)  He  confounds  all  gainsayers,  13-15- 
2.     Service. 

(1)  The  call: 

The  call   of  God  is   a  call   to  service, 

I,  2,  etc. ;  He  alone  can  call  to  serv- 
ice, I,  6,  7;  some  are  called  to  longer, 
larger  and  heavier  service  than  oth- 
ers, I,  2,  6,  12 ;  the  important  ques- 
tion not  when  we  are  called,  but  how 
we  treat  the  call  when  it  comes,  I-16; 
those  called  last  entered  the  vine- 
yard at  the  first  call  (no  encourage- 
ment in  this  parable  to  those  who 
hear  call  after  call  and  fail  to  re- 
spond), 6,  7;  the  first  called  may 
do    most    and    the    last    called    best, 

II,  12. 

(2)  The  reward  of  service: 

QuaHty  of  service  counts  more  than 
quantity  with  God,  9-16;  one  who 
serves  for  hire  will  get  just  what 
he  earns,  10,  13 ;  one  who  serves  for 
love  and  in   loving  trust  leaves  the 


question  of  reward  to  God's  bounty 
will  get  exceeding  abundantly  above 
what  he  has  earned  or  expected,  9; 
one  hour's  service  in  a  spirit  of 
humble  trust  that  leaves  the  reward 
as  a  matter  of  grace  to  God,  will 
be  as  abundantly  rewarded  as  twelve 
hours  of  legal  service  that  tries  to 
drive  a  close  bargain  with  God  and 
seeks  a  reward  as  a  matter  of  debt, 
9-1S;  compare  19:27;  comparison  of 
service  and  over-estimating  our  serv- 
ice leads  to  expectation  of  large  re- 
ward, dissatisfaction  with  reward 
given  and  murmuring  against  God, 
II,  12;  one  who  serves  for  love 
will  get  a  penny  plus  satisfaction; 
one  who  serves  for  hire  will  get  a 
penny  minus  satisfaction. 

S.    Election: 

Election  is  primarily  to  service,  i,  8; 
God  elects  many  to  get  more  than 
they  earn,  9;  He  never  elects  any 
to  get  less  than  they  earn,  13,  14; 
get  a  part  in  the  election  of  grace, 
by  a  faith  in  God's  goodness  that 
asks  no  questions  and  tries  to  drive 
no  bargains  with  God,  3-9. 

4.     Christ. 

The  judge  and  dispenser  of  rewards, 
8;  sent  by  the  Father,  8;  summons 
the  laborers  to  receive  their  reward, 
8;  following  Him  involves  forsaking 
all  (fellowship  in  His  sufferings), 
27;  brings  a  throne  (fellowship  in 
His  glory),  28;  sacrifice  for  His 
name's  sake  brings  a  hundredfold 
now   and    eternal    life   hereafter,  29. 


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The    Ambition    of 


James 

20:17-28 


LESSON  100. 
and    John.      Mark 


10:32-45; 
Luke  18:31-34. 


compare   Matt. 


disco\t:ry  of  the  facts. 

I.  Christ  foretells  His  crucifixion  and 
resurrection,  vr.  32-34. 

Whither  was  Jesus  journeying  at  the 
beginning  of  this  lesson?  What  was  the 
state  of  mind  of  His  disciples  as  they 
followed  Him?  At  what  were  they  amazed 
and  fearful?  What  did  Jesus  do  with  the 
twelve  at  this  time?  What  was  His  pur- 
pose in  doing  this?  Did  He  reveal  things 
to  the  twelve  that  He  did  not  to  others? 
(c.  4:34-)  Why?  (Matt.  13:11.)  Had 
He  ever  told  them  before  of  His  coming 
crucifixion  and  resurrection?  (c.  8:31; 
9:31;  ^latt.  16:21;  17:22,  22,;  20:17-19; 
Luke  9:22.)  Did  He  go  any  more  into 
detail  this  time  than  on  former  occasions? 
What  seven  specific  facts  did  He  foretell 
to  them?  Were  each  of  these  prophesied 
facts   fulfiled  ? 

How  did  Jesus  know  beforehand  the 
details  concerning  His  death  and  resur- 
rection? Did  they  condemn  Him?  (c. 
14:64;  Matt.  26:66;  Acts  13:27.)  Did  they 
deliver  Him  to  the  Gentiles?  (c.  15:1; 
Matt.  27:2;  Luke  23:1,  2,  21;  John  18:28.) 
W^hy  was  it  necessary  that  He  should  be 
delivered  to  the  Gentiles  if  the  Old  Testa- 
ment prophesies  regarding  His  crucifixion 
were  to  be  fulfiled?  Did  they  mock  Him? 
(c.  14:6s;  15:17-20,  29-31;  Matt.  27:27-44; 
Luke  22:63-65;  23:11,  35-39;  John  19:2,  3.) 
Had  it  been  prophesied  that  they  would 
mock  Him?  (Is.  53:3)  Did  they  actually 
spit  upon  Him?  (c.  14:65;  Matt.  26:67.) 
Had  it  been  prophesied  that  they  would 
spit  upon  Him?  (Is.  50:6.)  Did  they 
actually  kill  Him?  What  did  Jesus  say 
would  follow  His  death?  Did  He  really 
rise   again?      Did    He   in    any   other   place 


predict  His  resurrection  on  the  third  day? 
(John  2:19;  Matt.  12:39,  40.)  Had  His 
resurrection  on  the  third  day  been  predicted 
in  the  Old  Testament?  (Ps.  16:10;  Hos. 
6:2.) 

2.  Man's  desire  for  the  chief  place,  vv. 
35-41. 

With  what  request  does  the  lesson  open? 
W^hat  made  it  a  very  singular  request  just 
at  this  time?  What  suggested  it?  (Matt. 
19:28;  vv.  32,  23.)  What  did  they  mean 
by  asking  that  they  might  sit,  the  one  on 
His  right  hand  and  the  other  on  His  left 
in  His  glory?  Were  James  and  John  at 
this  time  much  better  than  Peter  with  all 
his  mistakes  and  failures?  Did  they  speak 
their  wish  right  out  to  start  with?  (Mark 
10:35.)  Is  there  any  way  we  can  get 
from  Christ  "Whatsoever  we  shall  a.sk"? 
(John  15:7,  R.  V.)  Were  James  and  John 
fulfiling  this  condition  at  this  time?  Did 
John  ever  reach  a  position  where  he  got 
whatever  he  asked?  (i  John  3:22.)  Why 
didn't  they  get  what  they  asked  here? 
(James  4:3.)  What  is  the  great  secret 
of  unanswered  prayer?  Is  the  spirit  of 
James  and  John  ever  found  in  the  church 
today?  What  is  its  result?  What  did 
Jesus  say  in  answer  to  this  request?  What 
did  He  mean  by  that?  Is  it  ever  true 
nowadays  that  men  know  not  what  they 
ask?  How  can  we  know  how  to  pray? 
(Ro.  8:26.)  What  question  does  Jesus 
put  to  them?  What  is  meant  by  "the  cup 
that  I  drink  of?"  (Matt.  26:39,  42;  John 
18:11.) 

What  is  the  connection  between  this 
question  and  their  request?  Where  else 
in  the  New  Testament  is  this  lesson  taught? 
(Acts  14:22;  2  Tim.  2:12;  Ro.  8:17.)     Sup- 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


223 


pose  we  do  not  suffer,  wliat  then?  What 
was  their  answer?  Did  they  really  under- 
stand what  that  answer  involved?  Of 
what  were  they  most  likely  thinking?  Were 
they  really  able?  (Matt.  26:56.)  Did  they 
ever  become  able?  What  is  Christ's  answer 
to  their  profession  of  ability  to  drink  of 
the  cup  He  drank  of?  (Acts  12:2;  Rev. 
I  :q.)  Did  they  drink  as  deeply  of  the 
cup  as  Jesus  did?  Who  decides  who  shall 
sit  upon  Christ's  right  hand  and  left  in 
His  glory?  To  whom  shall  it  be  given? 
How  will  it  be  decided?  (Rev.  22:12.) 
Are  we  to  learn  from  this  that  there  are 
gradations  of  glory  in  Heaven?  What 
will  the  least  who  gets  in  receive?  (l 
Cor.  3:11-15;  Heb.  11:16;  John  14:3;  i 
Cor.  2:9;  ]\Iatt.  25:34.)  What  was  the 
effect  of  the  request  of  James  and  John 
upon  the  remaining  ten?  What  is  the 
usual  result  in  a  church  where  some  try 
to  put  themselves  forward  unduly?  Why 
were  the  ten  indignant?  What  is  usually 
the  cause  when  we  wax  indignant  and  elo- 
quent over  the  attempt  of  others  to  put 
themselves  forward?  Was  this  a  very 
favorable  time  to  have  a  quarrel  in  the 
apostolic  company?  When  is  the  best 
time  to  have  a  quarrel  among  Christ's  fol- 
lowers? If  we  wish  to  prevent  such  things, 
what  is  the  first  thing  to  see  to? 

J.  God's  road  to  the  chief  place,  vv. 
42-45- 

How  did  Jesus  still  the  rising  tempest? 
What  is  the  best  way  to  still  a  storm 
among  Christ's  followers  today?  What 
did  Jesus  tell  them  was  the  radical  differ- 
ence between  methods  of  worldly  king- 
doms and  His  own  ?  Are  worldly  methods 
ever  adopted  by  professing  Christian  lead- 
ers? What  is  the  road  to  real  greatness? 
What  if  one  aims  at  personal  greatness? 
(Luke  14:7-11.)  What  is  the  Christian's 
method  of  using  greatness?     What  is  the 


difference  in  meaning  between  v.  43  and 
V.  44?  (R.  v.,  margin.)  Whom  does  Jesus 
point  to  as  the  pre-eminent  example  of 
real  greatness?  How  did  Jesus  serve? 
(John  13:4-14.)  What  was  His  crowning 
act  of  service? 

What  is  meant  by  a  ransom?  From 
what  has  Christ  ransomed  us?  (Hos. 
13:14;  Gal.  3:13;  Hcb.  9:15;  I  Peter  1:18; 
Tit.  2:14.)  By  what  has  Christ  redeemed 
us?  (Matt.  26:28;  Eph.  1:7;  Rev.  5:9; 
I  Peter  i  :i8,  19.)  For  whom  did  He  give 
His  life  a  ransom?  (i  Tim.  2:1;  i  John 
2:2.)  Why  does  it  say  in  one  place  for 
"many"  and  in  another  place  for  "all"? 
How  did  He  give  His  life  a  ransom? 
(Gal.  3:13;  2  Cor.  5:21;  Is.  53:6;  i  Pet. 
2:24;  3:18.)  Was  this  coming  and  giving 
His  life  voluntary?  (John  10:17,  18.)  Is 
there  any  indication  here  of  His  pre-ex- 
istence?  Did  the  disciples  remember  the 
lessons  of  this  solemn  occasion  very  long? 
(Luke  22:24.)  Can  we  glory  over  them 
very  much  ? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus. 

His  pre-existence,  34,  45 ;  humanity, 
34,  45 ;  foreknowledge  of  future 
events,  32-34;  sufferings  and  death, 
33,  34;  the  fulfiler  of  prophecy,  33, 
34;  compare  Is.  50:6;  53:3,  6;  Ps. 
16:10;  Hos.  6:2;  vicarious  atone- 
ment, 45;  coming  glory,  37  (entered 
His  glory  through  suffering,  38)  ; 
self-sacrificing  love — gave  His  life  a 
ransom,  45;  humility— came  not  to 
be  served  but  to  serve,  45 ;  inex- 
haustible patience,  37-45  ;  gentleness, 
37-45 ;  incarnation  of  the  truth  that 
Fie  taught,  43-45 ;  true  great  one, 
45 ;  wishes  His  disciples  to  tell  their 
desires  to  Him,  even  though  they 
are  not  what  they  should  be,  .36; 
called  His   quarreling  disciples   unto 


224 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


Himself,  42;  stilled  the  rising  tem- 
pest, 42;  points  out  to  His  disciples 
the  folly  of  their  wrong  ambitions 
and  shows  a  better  way,  42-45; 
teaches  His  disciples  that  fellowship 
with  Him  in  glory  must  be  won  by 
fellowship  with  Him  in  suffering  and 
service,  38,  43-45- 
2.  The  disciples. 
(i)  Their  failures: 
Misled  by  selfish  ambition,  37,  41 ; 
quarreled  among  themselves  for  the 
first  place  immediately  after  Tesus 
announced  His  suffering  and  death 
for  them,  37-41;  compare  32-34; 
prayed  unintelligently,  without  un- 
derstanding what  they  asked  for  or 
the  cost  of  getting  it,  38;  prayed 
selfishly,  37;  overestimated  their 
strength,  39;  their  request  denied  be- 
cause they  asked  amiss,  40. 


(2)  Their  duty: 

To  take  the  lowliest  place,  44;  serve, 
43;    imitate   their    Master's    example, 

45- 

(3)  Their  privileges : 

To  be  called  near  to  Jesus  and  be 
taught  of  Him,  42;  have  their  mis- 
takes pointed  out  and  put  away  by 
Jesus'  patient  admonitions,  4^-45; 
have  fellowship  in  His  sufferings, 
39;  imitate  His  service,  45. 
3.     Greatness: 

(i)     How  to  attain  it : 
By  service;  all  service  leads  to  great- 
ness ;  the  lowlier  the  service  the  more 
exalted  the  greatness,  43,  44,  R.  V. 

(2)  How  to  manifest  it : 

Worldly  greatness  manifests  itself  in 
lording  it,  true  greatness  manifests 
itself    in    service,    42-45- 

(3)  Where  to  see  it: 
In  Jesus  Christ,  45. 


LESSON  101. 

Jesus  and  Bartimeus.     Luke   18:35-43;    compare  Matt.  20:29-34; 

Mark  10:46-52. 


DISCOVERY  OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.    Blind,   by    the   zvayside,   begging,    vv. 

35-39- 

How  do  the  three  accounts  of  this  mira- 
cle differ  from  one  another?  (Compare 
Matt.  20:29,  30;  Mark  10:46.)  Can  these 
differences  be  reconciled?  In  what  way 
is  Bartimeus  a  type  of  the  natural  man? 
(Josh.  6:17,  f.  c,  26;  2  Cor.  4:4;  Rev. 
3:17;  Is.  64:6.)  Where  was  Bartimeus 
sitting?  Was  that  a  pleasant  place  to  be? 
Was  that  as  good  a  place  for  Bartimeus 
to  be  as  in  some  shady  palm  grove  of 
Jericho?  Why?  Where  is  the  best  place 
for  all  of  us  to  be?  (Luke  10:39-42.) 
What  good  news  did  Bartimeus  hear? 
Who    would    Bartimeus    rather    hear    was 


passing  by  than  any  one  else  in  the  world? 
Why?  How  did  he  know  Jesus  was  pass- 
ing? Are  there  any  today  who  need  to 
know  Jesus  is  passing?  How  can  we  let 
them  know?  What  did  Bartimeus  do 
when  he  knew  Jesus  was  passing?  Was 
that  much  to  do?  Was  it  enough?  Is  it 
usually  enough?  (Ro.  10:13.)  When  is 
the  time  to  call  upon  Him?  (Is.  55:6.) 
How  did  he  address  Jesus?  What  did 
that  mode  of  address  mean?  (Jer.  23:5; 
Matt.   1:1;  12:23;  22:41,  42.) 

Had  the  people  told  Bartimeus  that  "the 
son  of  David"  was  passing  by?  How  many 
times  is  it  recorded  that  Jesus  was  so 
addressed?  (Matt.  9:27;  15:21,  22;  21:9, 
15.)      For    what    did    he   cry?      Were    the 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


225 


people  pleased  to  hear  him  calling  for 
mercy?  Why  not?  Were  they  right  or 
wrong?  Are  people  nowadays  ever  dis- 
pleased when  they  hear  poor,  sinful,  afflicted 
people  calling  upon  Jesus  for  mercy?  Did 
the  rebuke  keep  Bartimeus  from  crying 
out?  (Compare  Mark  10:48.)  Was  he 
right?  Why  was  it  well  that  Bartimeus 
improved  that  opportunity?  Ought  sneers 
and  reproofs  even  of  religious  people  to- 
day keep  needy  ones  from  calling  upon 
Jesus  for  help?  Why  would  not  Barti- 
meus be  put  off?  What  promise  of  God's 
Word  made  it  sure  Bartimeus  would  be 
heard?  (Jer.  20:13.)  What  about  Barti- 
meus' prayer   was  worthy  of  imitation? 

2.  Receiving  sight,  foUoiving  Jesus, 
glorifying    God,   vv.    40-43. 

Did  Jesus  rebuke  him  for  praying?  Will 
He  us?  (Phil.  4:6.)  What  did  Jesus  do? 
(Compare  Mark  10:49.)  Was  Jesus  on 
important  business  ?  What  is  the  lesson  ? 
Did  Jesus  Himself  call  Bartimeus?  Why 
not?  Did  they  change  their  tone?  (Mark 
10:49.)  What  did  they  say  to  Bartimeus? 
(Mark  10:49.  What  is  the  most  cheering 
thing  that  can  be  said  to  sorrowing  souls? 
How  many  of  them  does  He  call?  (Matt. 
11:28.)  Was  Bartimeus  ready  to  go? 
(Mark  10:50.)  Did  he  stop  to  argue?  Why 
not?  By  what  act  did  he  show  his  eager- 
ness to  get  to  Jesus?  (Mark  10:50.) 
What  keeps  many  today  from  getting  to 
Jesus  and  receiving  His  blessing?  What 
must  the  sinner  throw  away  when  he  comes 
to  Christ?  (Is.  64:6;  55:7;  Heb.  12:2.) 
What  made  Bartimeus  willing  to  throw 
away  everything?  What  would  make  the 
sinner  willing  to  give  up  everything  to 
get  to  Jesus?  How  will  the  Christian  re- 
gard everything  that  retards  his  progress 
to  Christ?  (Phil.  3  7,  8-)  What  question 
did  Jesus  put  to  him?    Did  not  Jesus  know 


what   he   wanted?      (Matt.   6:8.)      Had   he 
not  already  told  Jesus  what  he  wanted? 

What  kind  of  prayers  does  Jesus  desire? 
What  was  the  blind  man's  answer?  Wliat 
reason  had  he  for  supposing  that  Jesus 
would  open  blind  eyes?  (Is.  35:5;  42:1,  7; 
Luke  4:17,  18.)  What  was  Jesus'  answer? 
What  was  this  faith  that  Bartimeus  had? 
What  is  saving  faith?  (Luke  7:50.)  In 
what  ways  did  Bartimeus  show  his  faith? 
Where  was  the  healing  power?  How,  then, 
did  his  faith  save  him?  Was  Jesus'  word 
effective?  (Matt.  8:8.)  Is  it  just  as  effec- 
tive today?  Was  it  a  beautiful  world 
Bartimeus  saw?  What  was  the  most  beau- 
tiful object  Bartimeus  saw?  How  did 
Bartimeus  show  that  Jesus  was  more  beau- 
tiful than  Jericho?  When  Jesus  saves  or 
heals  us,  what  does  He  desire  we  should 
do?  Could  Bartimeus  follow  Jesui  before 
he  got  his  eyes  open?  Can  we  follow  Him 
before  He  saves  us?  What  did  the  people 
do? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  : 

He  goes  to  Jericho  (the  cursed  city) 
and  seeks  the  lost,  35 ;  passes  the 
place  where  those  who  need  Him 
are,  37 ;  listens  to  the  cry  of  dis- 
tress, 40;  stands  still — no  matter  how 
important  and  urgent  His  business — 
to  help  a  poor,  blind,  beggar  that 
asks  His  help,  40;  commands  that 
those  who  need  Him  be  brought  to 
Him,  40;  desires  definite  and  ex- 
plicit statement  of  what  we  wish, 
40,  41 ;  answers  the  prayer  of  ear- 
nest faith,  42;  opens  blind  eyes,  42; 
saves,  42. 

2.  Bartimeus: 

( I )     His  condition  : 
An  inhabitant  of  Jericho,  35 ;  compare 
Josh.    6:17,   26;    blind,    35;    compare 
2   Cor.  4:4;    a   beggar,  35;   compare 


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STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


Rev.  3:17;  Is.  64:6;  no  help  for  him 
in  man,  35. 

(2)  Where  he  was : 

By  the  wayside :— a  dusty,  disagreeable 
place,  but  Jesus  was  going  to  pass 
that  way,  and  better  the  dusty  road- 
side where  Jesus  passes  by  than  the 
loveliest  retreat  where  He  is  not. 

(3)  What    happened : 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passed  by,  36  (it 
was  his  last  opportunity)  ;  he  was 
told  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  was 
passing  by,  Z7  \  believed  the  testi- 
mony, 38;  realized  his  need,  38,  39; 
believed  Jesus  was  the  Christ,  38; 
believed  Jesus  could  and  would  have 
mercy  on  him,  38,  39;  cried  for 
mercy,  38;  was  rebuked  for  crying, 
39;  cried  all  the  more,  39;  made 
himself  heard,  40;  was  called  to 
Jesus,  40;  threw  away  everything 
that  impeded  his  progress  to  Jesus 
(his  best  but  ragged  covering) 
(compare  Mark  10:50);  came  to 
Jesus,  40;  told  Jesus  just  what  he 
wanted,  41 ;  got  it,  42 ;  was  saved, 
42 ;  received  his  sight,  42 ;  saw  noth- 
ing so  lovely  as  Jesus  Himself,  43 ; 
left  Jericho  and  its  palm  groves, 
and  followed  Jesus  in  the  dusty, 
weary     journey     to     the    cross,     43; 


S.     Salvation. 
How  to  get  it : 

Feel  your  need,  38;  hear  of  Jesus,  37; 
believe  Jesus  can  and  will  save  you, 
38,  42 ;  cry  to  Him,  38 ;  be  in  earnest, 
39;    compare    Mark    10:50. 

It  is  our  part  to  tell  the  sinner  of 
Jesus  (37),  it  is  the  sinner's  part  to 
cry  unto  Him  for  mercy  (38),  it  is 
Jesus'    part   to   save    (42). 

4.  Saving  faith. 
What  it  is: 

Confidence    that    Jesus    can    and    will 
save,  42. 
How  it  manifests  itself: 
Crying  unto  Jesus,  38;  overcoming  ob- 
stacles, 39;  throwing  away  every  im- 
pediment,   Mark    10:50;    coming    to 
Jesus,  40;  telling  Him  just  what  we 
wish,  41 ;   following  Jesus,  43 ;  glori- 
fying God,  43. 
Where  it   is   found : 

In  those  who  realize  their  need,  35-38. 
What  it  gets: 

Salvation,  42;  sight,  42. 

5.  Prevailing  prayer. 
Its  characteristics : 

Short,    38,    41  ;    definite,    41  ;    personal, 
38;  earnest,  38,  39;  importunate,  39; 
believing,  41. 
Its  result : 

Gets  what  it  asks,  42;  gets  more  than 
it  asks,   42. 


glorified  God,  43. 

LESSON  102. 
Jesus  and  Zaccheus.    Luke  19:1-10. 

in   the   journey    and   the   execution    of   this 
absorbing  purpose?     For  what  purpose  was 


DISCOV'ERY   OF    THE    FACTS. 

/.     Zaccheus  seeking  Jesus,  vv.  1-4. 

Whither  was  Jesus  journeying  as  He 
passed  through  Jericho?  For  what  pur- 
pose was  He  going  to  Jerusalem?  How 
much  was  He  taken  up  with  the  object 
of  that  journey?  (Mark  10:32;  Luke 
12:50.)      For  what  purpose   did   He   delay 


Jesus  always  ready  to  stop,  no  matter 
how  engrossing  was  the  object  He  was 
pursuing?  What  was  the  name  of  the 
sinner  He  stopped  to  save?  What  did 
his  name  mean?  Did  his  character  justify 
his  name?     What  do  we  know   about  his 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


227 


character  (vv.  2,  3,  8)  ?  How  was  he 
regarded  by  his  fellow  citizens  (v.  7)  ? 
What  did  he  possess  that  would  naturally 
commend  him  to  public  favor?  Why  did 
not  his  wealth  win  him  a  place  in  public 
esteem?  Did  his  wealth  prevent  his  being 
saved?  Wh}-  not?  Is  it  an  easy  thing 
to  save  a  rich  man?  (Luke  18:24.)  Why 
was  it  that  the  rich  man  of  the  i8th  chap- 
ter was  lost  and  the  rich  man  of  this 
chapter  was  saved?  Which  was  the  more 
amiable  man  of  the  two?  More  moral? 
More  religious?  Higher  in  social  esteem? 
Apparently  easier  to  save?  How  often  is 
it  the  case  that  the  more  amiable,  moral, 
religious,  honored  and  apparently  hopeful 
man  is  lost  and  the  more  immoral,  irre- 
ligious, repulsive  and  hopeless  one  saved? 
Which,  in  reality,  is  it  easier  to  reach  with 
the  Gospel — nice,  moral,  amiable  people,  or 
immoral,  unattractive  and  disagreeable 
people?     Why? 

What  was  the  first  step  in  Zaccheus'  sal- 
vation? What  is  the  best  thing  any  lost 
sinner  hke  Zaccheus  can  do?  Was  any- 
one seeking  Zaccheus?  Why  was 
Zaccheus  seeking  to  see  Jesus?  Why  had 
he  not  sought  to  see  Him  before?  Had 
he  heard  anything  about  Jesus  that  drew 
him  toward  Him?  How  far  would  he 
have  gone  out  of  his  way  to  have  seen 
one  of  the  ordinary  rabbis  of  that  time? 
What  drew  him?  If  we  want  to  win 
men,  how  must  we  treat  them?  What 
obstacles  did  Zaccheus  find  in  the  way  of 
getting  to  Jesus?  How  many  of  those 
who  wish  to  get  to  Jesus  find  obstacles  in 
the  way?  How  many  obstacles  that  can- 
not be  overcome  are  there  between  men 
and  Jesus?  How  many  men  were  there 
in  that  crowd  that  had  apparently  a  better 
chance  of  seeing  Jesus  that  day  and  getting 
a  blessing  from  Him  than  Zaccheus  ?  Why, 
then,  did  Zaccheus  get  the  blessing  and 
thev    not?      How    did    Zaccheus    overcome 


the  disadvantage  of  his  small  stature? 
What  kind  of  a  proceeding  on  the  part 
of  Zaccheus  was  climbing,  etc.?  How 
would  his  proceeding  be  treated  by  the 
crowd?     Is  there  any  lesson  in  this  for  us? 

2.    Jesus  seeking  Zaccheus,  vv.  5-10. 

What  did  Jesus  do  when  He  came  to  the 
place?  How  did  Jesus  know  Zaccheus  was 
up  there?  (John  1:48;  10:3.)  How  did 
He  know  his  name?  Why  did  He  call 
him  by  his  name?  (Is.  43:1;  John  10:3.) 
What  did  He  tell  Zaccheus  to  do?  Why 
make  haste?  How  often  is  there  any  time 
for  delay  if  one  would  find  Jesus?  (Is. 
55:6.)  What  if  Zaccheus  had  not  made 
haste?  Why  is  it  many  men  never  find 
Jesus  and  are  lost  forever?  Why  was  it 
that  Jesus  must  abide  at  the  house  of 
Zaccheus?  (Compare  John  4:4.)  Why 
must  He  abide  there  that  day?  Had 
Zaccheus  invited  Jesus  to  His  house  ?  Why 
not?  Does  Jesus  ever  go  where  He  is  not 
wanted?  Does  He  ever  come  in  in  a  way 
fuller  than  we  dare  ask?  What  was  the 
most  honored  home  in  Jericho  that  day? 
Is  Jesus  willing  to  abide  with  us?  (John 
14:23;  Rev.  3:20.)  What  was  the  feel- 
ing of  Zaccheus  when  these  words  of  Jesus 
fell  upon  his  ear?  What  did  he  do?  What 
was  the  character  of  Zaccheus'  obedience? 
Was  it  strange  that  Zaccheus  was  so  glad 
to  receive  Jesus  into  his  home?  What 
would   have  been   strange? 

What  strange  thing  do  we  see  today? 
What  is  shown  by  this  prompt  and  joyous 
reception  of  Jesus  to  have  been  lurking 
behind  Zaccheus'  curiosity  to  see  Jesus? 
How  often  had  Zaccheus  been  treated  with 
the  kindness  and  respect  with  which  Jesus 
treated  him?  What  was  the  effect  of  this 
kindness?  Had  severity  and  contempt 
humbled  or  converted  him  ?  Who  was  glad 
besides  Zaccheus?  How  did  the  people 
feel  when  they  saw  Jesus  enter  the  house 
of   Zaccheus?     How   ought   they   to   have 


228 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


felt?  Did  they  murmur  the  same  thing 
on  any  other  occasion?  (7:34.  39;  ^5-2.) 
Are  there  any  hke  these  murmurers  today? 
Would  Jesus  consort  with  sinners  if  He 
was  on  earth  today?  Ought  we  to  do 
so?  For  what  purpose?  With  what  sort 
of  sinners  is  Jesus  willing  to  abide?  Was 
Zaccheus  converted?  Regenerated?  How 
did  he  show  the  genuineness  of  his  con- 
version? What  will  genuine  conversion 
always  effect?  (A  man's  pocket-book.) 
What  about  conversion  that  does  not  effect 
a  man's  pocket-book?  Ought  a  converted 
man  to  make  restitution?  Suppose  he  does 
not?  Ought  he  to  give  half  of  his  goods 
to  the  poor?  (Luke  12:33;  i  Tim.  6:17, 
18.)  Which  was  the  easier  part  that 
Zaccheus  undertook  to  do — give  half  his 
goods  to  the  poor,  or  to  restore  fourfold 
what  he  had  taken  by  false  accusation? 
Would  it  have  been  right  for  Zaccheus  to 
give  all  the  goods  he  had  in  his  possession 
to   the   poor? 

What  was  it  changed  Zaccheus  from  a 
hard-fisted  extortioner  into  an  honest, 
large-hearted,  self-forgetting  saint?  How 
many  more  wonderful  illustrations  of  the 
power  of  the  Gospel  than  this  are  there 
in  the  Bible?  Did  Zaccheus  lose  anything 
by  parting  with  his  earthly  goods?  (Mark 
10:29,  30.)  What  did  Jesus  say  at  this 
point?  In  what  way  had  salvation  come 
to  this  house?  What  is  the  only  way  in 
which  salvation  comes  to  any  house?  Was 
it  to  Zaccheus  alone  that  salvation  had 
come?  What  is  indicated  as  to  the  char- 
acter of  salvation  by  the  use  of  the  word 
"today"?  Why  had  salvation  come  to 
that  house?  In  what  sense  was  he  a  son 
of  Abraham?  (Gal.  3:7.)  What  kind  of 
a  son  of  Abraham  was  he  as  indicated 
by  verse  10?  What  was  Christ's  purpose 
in  uttering  these  words?  For  what  pur- 
pose did  Jesus  say  He  had  come?  Who 
was  it  came?     For  whom  did   He  come? 


For  what  did  He  come?  If  one  is  to 
be  saved,  what  must  he  first  be?  In  what 
sense  is  man  lost?  When  will  men  out 
of  Christ  be  lost?  What  two  seekers  does 
this  lesson  show  us?  Did  Zaccheus  seek 
Jesus  first  or  Jesus  Zaccheus?  What  was 
the  effect  when  each  found  the  other? 
(v.   6;    15:5.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Zaccheus. 

He  was  a  sinner,  7;  was  despised,  7; 
had  been  absorbed  in  money-getting, 
3 ;  was  dishonest,  8 ;  was  rich,  2 ; 
was  dissatisfied,  3,  6;  Jesus  sought 
him,  5,  10;  he  sought  Jesus,  3;  was 
in  earnest,  (i)  surmounted  difficul- 
ties, (2)  sacrificed  dignity,  (3)  dis- 
regarded ridicule,  4;  Jesus  called 
him,  5;  he  responded  to  the  call  joy- 
fully, 6;  he  responded  to  the  call 
without  delay,  6 ;  genuinely  converted, 
made  restitution,  used  his  money  for 
Christ,  8. 
Saved : 

By   believing,   9;   immediately,   9;    with 
his  house,  9. 

2.  Jesus   and   sinneis. 

Jesus  loves  sinners,  5 ;  seeks  sinners, 
10;  deals  tenderly  with  sinners,  5; 
associated  with  sinners,  7;  endured 
contempt  for  sinners,  7 ;  saves  sin- 
ners, 10;  transforms  sinners,  8;  re- 
joices over  saved  sinners,  9. 
J.     Salvation. 

(i)     Its   author: 
The   Son  of   Man,   10. 

(2)  Its  objects: 
The  lost,   10. 

(3)  Its  nature: 

Immediate,  9;  transforming,  8;  joyful, 
6;   for  the  whole  household,  9. 

(4)  How  gained: 
By  faith,  9. 

(5)  How  lost: 
By  delay,  5. 


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229 


LESSON   103. 
The  Parable  of  the  Pounds.     Luke  19:11-28. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

/.  The  nobleman  journeying  into  a  far 
country,  Z'V.  11-14. 

What  is  the  object  of  today's  lesson? 
What  other  parable  is  like  this?  In  what 
points  are  they  alike?  In  what  points  do 
they  differ?  What  was  Christ's  purpose 
in  speaking  this  parable?  Are  men  today 
ever  so  taken  up  with  thinking  about  the 
coming  of  the  kingdom  that  they  forget  the 
necessity  of  preparing  for  it?  Why  did 
they  suppose  the  kingdom  was  immediately 
to  appear?  What  is  meant  by  the  kingdom 
appearing?  Were  they  right  in  thinking 
the  kingdom  was  to  appear?  In  what  were 
they  wrong?  Who  is  represented  by  the 
certain  nobleman  of  the  parable?  What 
is  represented  by  the  departure  into  a  far 
country?  (Mark  16:19,  20;  Acts  1:9-11.) 
What  was  the  purpose  of  Christ's  departure 
into  heaven?  Has  He  yet  received  the 
kingdom?  (Matt.  28:18,  R.  V.;  Eph. 
1:19-23;  I  Peter  3:22.)  What  yet  remains 
to  be  done?  Why  then  does  He  not  re- 
turn?    (Rev.  19:7;  Ro.  11:25;  Acts  3:21.) 

Was  there  any  allusion  to  current  his- 
toric events  in  this  parable  of  the  pounds? 
What  did  the  nobleman  do  before  his  de- 
parture? What  is  represented  by  these 
pounds?  (Eph.  4-7,  8>  ii>  12;  i  Peter  4:10, 
11;  Ro.  12:6-8;  I  Cor.  12:7-11.)  Who  are 
represented  by  the  servants?  Do  they  all 
represent  regenerated  men?  Why  is  each 
servant  represented  as  receiving  the  same 
amount  to  trade  with?  What  is  the  mod- 
ern money  value  of  the  p^n.nd  of  this  para- 
ble? Why  is  the  amount  given  represented 
as  so  little?  What  were  the  servants  to 
do  with  the  amount  received?  What  is 
meant  by  that?  How  long  were  they  to 
trade  with  "it?     What  then   is   the  proper 


business  of  the  believer  while  our  Lord  de- 
lays His  coming?  And  when  He  comes — 
what  then?  Who  are  represented  by  His 
citizens?  (14;  compare  John  i:ii;  Acts 
3:13-15.)  What  was  the  attitude  of  the 
Jews  toward  Jesus?  Are  they  the  only 
ones  who  have  hated  Him?  (Acts  4:27, 
28;  John  15:18.)  Why  is  it  the  world 
hates  Jesus?  (Ro.  8:7;  John  15:23,  24; 
7:7.)  How,  according  to  this  parable,  did 
His  citizens  show  their  hatred  of  Him? 
How  do  men  show  their  hatred  of  Christ 
today? 

2.  The  nobleman's  return  and  reckoning 
-cvith  his  servants,  vv.  15-28. 

What  did  the  king  do  upon  his  return 
(v.  15)  ?  What  is  represented  by  this  sum- 
moning of  His  servants?  (Ro.  14:10,  12; 
2  Cor.  5:10.)  What  was  the  account  the 
first  gave  of  his  stewardship?  Did  He 
say,  "I  have  made  ten  pounds"  (v.  16)  ? 
Will  a  true  disciple  ever  talk  of  what  he 
has  done?  What  will  he  talk  of?  What 
was  his  king's  reply?  Why  did  he  get  this 
commendation?  How  is  it  that  one  pound 
gains  ten?  What  was  the  reward  he  got? 
Why  ten  cities?  What  is  our  dominion 
in  the  coming  age  proportioned  to?  What 
was  the  account  the  second  gave  (v.  18)  ? 
What  did  the  Lord  say  to  him  (v.  \g)  ? 
Did  He  say,  "Well  done,"  etc.?  Why  not? 
What  servant  is  represented  by  this? 
(Compare  Matt.  25:22,  23.)  How  much 
did  he  get?  Why  five  cities?  Was  it 
by  a  merely  arbitrary  decree  of  the  Lord 
that  the  number  of  cities  was  proportionate 
to  the  amount  gained?  (In  the  next  world 
we  have  just  so  much  dominion  as  our 
faithfulness  of  service  in  this  makes  us 
capable  of  exercising,  i  Cor.  3:8;  12:5, 
8;  2  Cor.  9:6;  2  John  8.)     What  was  the 


230 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


report  the  third  brought  of  his  steward- 
ship? Who  is  represented  by  this  (v.  20)  ? 
What  was  his  excuse  for  his  neglect  and 
laziness?  What  is  represented  by  this  as 
laying  at  the  bottom  of  neglect  of  service 
toward   Christ  ? 

If  then  we  want  men  to  serve  Christ 
faithfully,  what  must  we  strive  to  do? 
Upon  whom  did  this  slothful  servant  try  to 
cast  the  blame  of  his  neglect?  Where  do 
the  sinner's  excuses  always  put  the  blame  of 
this  neglect?  Did  his  excuse  in  any  wise 
diminish  his  guilt?  Does  the  sinner's  ex- 
cuse ever  in  any  wise  diminish  his  guilt? 
What  was  the  charge  he  lay  at  Christ's 
door?  Do  men  today  ever  lay  such  charges 
at  His  door?  What  was  the  Lord's  reply 
(vv.  22,  23)  ?  Who  is  it  a  sinner's  excuses 
really  condemn?  How  did  this  sinner's 
excuse  condemn  himself?  What  did  the 
Lord  call  this  servant?  In  what  did  his 
wickedness  consist?  What  is  represented 
by  the  bank  in  this  parable?  What  was 
the  Lord's  decision  in  regard  to  the  wicked 
servant  (v.  24)?  What  is  taught  by  this? 
How  does  this  decision  differ  from  that 
in  Matthew  25:30?  What  is  represented 
by  the  protest  of  those  who  stood  by  (v. 
25)  ?  How  does  the  Lord  justify  His  de- 
cision? What  is  the  meaning  of  this? 
What  became  of  the  other  servants?  Why 
are  these  three  given?  What  judgment 
was  visited  upon  his  enemies?  Does  this 
refer  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  under 
Titus?  What  is  the  lesson  taught?  (2 
Thess.    1:7-9-) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus. 

(i)     His  nature: 

Human,    12;    divine,   12,    15,   24-27. 
(2)     His  character: 
Cannot     be      deceived,      22 ;      kindness 
toward     faithful,     17.     24;     severity 
toward  unfaithful,  22,  2~;  strict  jus- 
tice toward  all,   17,   18,  24. 


(3)  His   treatment: 

Hated  by  men,  14;  honored  by  God, 
15. 

(4)  His  office: 

A  King,  12;  His  kingdom  now  hid- 
den, 11-14;  to  be  revealed,  15-29; 
His  death,  resurrection  and  ascension 
steps  to  the  throne,  12;  is  now  an 
absent  King,  12 ;  will  be  a  coming 
King,   15;   God's  chosen  King,  12-27. 

(5)  His  return: 

Event  certain,    12;   time  mistaken,   11; 
in  power,    15-27. 
The  purpose : 

To  reckon  with  His  servants,  15 ;  re- 
ward His  faithful  servants,  16-19; 
judge  His  unfaithful  servants,  24; 
confound  and  destroy  His  enemies, 
27. 
2.    Service. 

(i)     Its  relation  to  Christ: 

Power  for  service  must  be  received 
from  Christ,  13;  account  of  service 
must  be  rendered  to  Christ,  15; 
faithful  service  will  be  rewarded  by 
Christ,  17,  18;  should  engage  the 
disciple   until   Christ   comes,    13. 

(2)  Its  reward: 

At  Christ's  coming,  15;  according  to 
faithfulness,  17,  18;  abundant,  17; 
commendation,   17;  power,  17,  18. 

(3)  Its    character: 
Humble,   16;   faithful,   17. 

(4)  Its  neglect: 

Occasioned     by     wrong     thoughts     of 
Christ,   21 ;    guilt   is   great,  22 ;   pun- 
ishment by  eternal  loss,  24;   excuse, 
none,   22,   23. 
J.    Man. 

His  proneness  to  error,  11;  hatred  of 
Christ,  14;  distaste  for  service,  20- 
25 ;  desire  to  justify  himself,  21 ; 
inability  to  justify  himself,  22;  will- 
ingness to  condemn  Christ,  21 ;  con- 
fusion in  the  presence  of  Christ,  22. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


231 


LESSON  104. 

The  Anointing  of  Jesus  by  Mary  of  Bethany.     Matt.  26:6-16;    compare 
Mark   14:3-9;    John   11:55  to   12:11. 

(Luke  10:39.) 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

7.    Jesus  anointed  by  Mary,  the 


sister  of 
Lazarus,  6-13. 

When  did  the  scene  recorded  in  this  les- 
son occur?  (John  12:1.)  When  does  it 
seem  to  have  occurred  according  to  the 
account  in  Matt.  26:1,  2?  Why  does  Mat- 
thew record  it  in  this  way?  Where  is  Je- 
sus in  this  lesson?  What  light  is  thrown 
upon  home  life  and  the  way  Christ  regards 
it?  What  thoughts  filled  the  mind  of  Jesus 
at  this  time?  In  the  midst  of  these  grave 
and  overwhelming  thoughts,  what  did  He 
find  time  to  do?  What  was  the  purpose  of 
these  days  of  communion  with  these  per- 
sonal friends?  What  great  event  had  hap- 
pened at  Bethany  before  this?  What  was 
the  result  of  that  event?  (John  ii:4S-) 
Did  His  present  visit  to  Bethany  have  any- 
thing to  do  with  the  faith  that  had  been 
engendered  in  the  hearts  of  others  by  the 
raising  of  Lazarus?  Was  Jesus  in  the 
habit  of  going  back  to  places  where  faith 
had  been  awakened,  to  quicken  and  nour- 
ish and  strengthen  that  faith?  (John  4:54-) 
Any  lesson  here  for  us? 

How  does  the  real  humanity  of  Jesus 
Christ  come  out  in  this  lesson?  In  whose 
house  was  Jesus  stopping  in  Bethany  (v. 
6)?  Who  was  Simon  the  leper?  Who 
brought  the  most  joy  to  the  aching  heart 
of  Jesus  during  this  visit?  Why  did  she 
bring  more  joy  to  Him  than  any  one  else? 
How  did  Mary  show  her  love?  How  much 
did  this  box  of  very  precious  ointment 
cost?  Had  she  just  bought  it  or  bought  it 
before  and  kept  it  for  this  purpose?  (John 
12:7.)  What  had  Mary  understood  that  no 
one  else  had  understood?  Why  had  Mary 
understood  Jesus  better  than  any  one  else? 


How  much  time  had  Mary 
spent  in  calculating  the  cost  of  the  oint- 
ment and  whether  she  might  not  better  save 
part  of  her  money  for  future  needs?  What 
characteristic  of  true  love  does  this  illus- 
trate? What  proved  the  safer  guide, 
Mary's  uncalculating  love  to  Jesus,  or  the 
calculating  prudence  of  Judas  and  the  rest 
of  the  disciples?  How  was  Mary's  act 
looked  upon  by  Judas  and  the  rest  of  the 
disciples  ?  Who  was  the  ringleader  in  the 
harsh  criticism?  (John  12:4-6.)  Why 
could  they  not  understand  Mary's  act?  If 
we  live  out  true  love  to  Jesus  Christ  in 
daily  life,  what  may  we  expect?  What 
compensation  was  Mary  to  have  for  the 
criticism  of  the  disciples?  What  did  the 
disciples  call  this  use  of  the  oil?  What 
does  it  reveal  regarding  their  own  love  to 
Jesus  Christ,  that  they  regarded  such  a  use 
of  the  ointment  as  a  "waste"?  Do  we  ever 
see  the  same  spirit  today? 

What  other  use  for  the  money  expended 
on  the  ointment  did  they  suggest?  Whose 
money  was  it  that  they  wanted  to  give  to 
the  poor?  Who  are  most  willing  to  criti- 
cize others  for  not  giving  their  money  to 
the  poor  (10-13)?  How  did  Jesus  treat 
the  act  which  others  criticized?  What  did 
He  tell  the  critics  regarding  the  poor? 
(Mark  14:7.)  What  three  words  in  Mark 
14:7  have  a  gentle  touch  of  irony  in  them? 
What  praise  did  He  bestow  upon  Mary's 
act?  What  is  the  very  loftiest  praise  that 
can  be  bestowed  upon  anybody's  life  or 
acts?  What  is  all  that  Christ  asks  of  any 
one?  (2  Cor.  8:12.)  What  was  Mary 
looking  for  when  she  performed  this  act? 
What  did  she  get?  How  great  fame  did 
she  get?     What  remarkable  prediction  did 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Jesus  make  regarding  this  act?  What  made 
this  prediction  remarkable?  When  Jesus 
made  this  prediction,  did  it  seem  at  all 
likely  that  it  would  come  true?  What  tes- 
timony is  there  to  Christ  being  a  prophet 
of  God  in  these  words?  With  what  was 
Martha  taken  up  at  this  supper?  With 
what  was  Lazarus  taken  up?  With  what 
was  I\Iary  taken  up?  Of  the  three  which 
most  satisfied  the  heart  of  the  Lord?  What 
were  the  characteristics  of  Mary's  love? 
With  what  was  the  house  filled?  (John 
12:3.)  With  what  has  the  whole  world 
since  been  filled?  What  had  begotten  this 
love  to  Jesus  in  Mary's  heart?  (v.  12,  R. 
V.) 

2.  Judas  Iscariof  bargains  -ci'ith  the  chief 
priests  to  betray  Jcs'us,  vv.  14-16. 

What  effect  had  this  gentle  rebuke  upon 
Judas?  How  did  Judas  show  he  was  cut 
to  the  heart?  How  did  he  seek  to  get  back 
part  of  the  money  he  had  lost  by  Mary  not 
putting  the  three  hundred  pieces  into  the 
bag?  What  did  he  find  the  priests  doing 
when  he  went  to  them?  For  how  much 
did  he  sell  his  Lord?  From  that  time  on, 
to  what  did  he  devote  his  whole  thought 
and  effort?    Has  he  any  successors? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  nature : 
Divine,  10;  human,  12. 


(2)  How  He  was  treated: 

Loved  by  Mary  of  Bethany,  6-13 ;  be- 
trayed by  Judas  Iscariot,  14-16;  not 
appreciated  by  the  disciples,  8. 

(3)  What  He  did: 

Read  hearts  and  thoughts  of  men,  10; 
appreciated  acts  of  love,  10-13;  com- 
mended the  one  who  "did  what  she 
could,"  10-13;  saw  through  and  ex- 
posed pretended  interest  in  the  poor 
of  the  hypocrite,  II. 

Mary  of  Bethany. 

Understood  the  Lord's  words  when  no 
one  else  did,  12;  loved  the  Lord  Je- 
sus with  all  her  heart,  7-12;  brought 
her  most  precious  possession  and 
poured  it  all  upon  the  Lord  she 
loved,  7;  misunderstood  by  the  dis- 
ciples, 8;  appreciated  by  the  Lord 
Himself,  10-13;  won  praise  for  her- 
self throughout  the  world,  13. 

Judas  Iscariot. 

Considered  anything  lavished  on  the 
Lord  as  a  "waste,"  8;  compare  John 
12:4;  moved  with  indignation  that 
precious  gifts  should  be  lavished  on 
the  Lord  and  not  put  in  his  own 
purse,  8,  9;  compare  John  12:5,  6; 
his  hypocrisy  unmasked  by  the  Lord, 
10,  11;  compare  John  12:5-8;  be- 
trayed His  Lord  for  thirty  pieces  of 
silver,  15;  sought  opportunity  to  de- 
liver his  Lord  to  His  enemies,  16. 


LESSON  105. 

Jesus'  Triumphal  Entry  Into  Jerusalem.     Luke  19:29-44;    compare  Matt. 

21:1-11;  Mark  11:1-11;  John  12:12-19. 

sion  enter  in  a  way  that  seemed  to  court 
notoriety  while  on  former  occasions  He 
did   so  much  to   avoid  it?     Where  do  we 


DISCOVERY  OF   THE   FACTS. 

/.     The  obedient  disciples,  vv.   29-35. 

What  city  was  Jesus  approaching?  Had 
Christ  entered  Jerusalem  before?  How 
does  this  entrance  differ  from  other  en- 
trances?    Why    did   Christ   on   this    occa- 


see  Jesus  in  the  opening  verses  of  the 
lesson?  What  did  Jesus  do  at  just  this 
point?     How   came   the   colt   to   be    there 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


233 


(v.  31)?  If  the  Lord  has  need  of  an  ass 
or  colt  will  it  ever  be  lacking?  If  He  has 
work  for  any  of  us  to  do,  will  the  means 
for  carrying  it  out  ever  be  lacking?  How 
did  Jesus  know  the  colt  was  there?  Have 
we  other  exhibitions  of  supernatural  knowl- 
edge in  the  life  of  Jesus?  (John  1:48; 
Mark  14:13-16.)  Wherein  was  the  pecu- 
liar fitness  of  this  colt  to  bear  Jesus? 
What  charge  did  Jesus  give  the  two  dis- 
ciples in  regard  to  the  colt?  Were  they 
to  ask  any  one's  permission?  What  right 
had  they  to  take  some  one  else's  property 
without  asking  leave?  (Ps.  24:1;  50:10.) 
Was  this  commission  to  bring  a  colt,  seem- 
ingly a  very  important  one?  Was  it  a 
real  test  of  discipleship?  Where  can  we 
best  show  the  reality  of  our  discipleship, 
by  going  to  some  foreign  land,  or  doing 
the  little  duty  right  at  our  doors?  Did 
Jesus  anticipate  any  protest  against  their 
taking  the  colt?  What  were  they  to  an- 
swer?    What  did  this  answer  imply? 

Are  we  likely  to  meet  with  questions 
and  opposition  if  we  go  in  the  way  the 
Lord  bids?  Suppose  the  Lord  has  need 
of  anything  we  consider  ours,  what  should 
we  do?  Has  the  Lord  need  of  anything 
that  is  ours?  What  did  Jesus  expect 
would  be  the  result  of  this  answer  of  His 
disciples?  How  did  He  know?  Are  men 
always  ready  as  this  to  give  to  the  Lord 
what  He  has  need  of?  What  was  the 
object  of  getting  the  colt?  (Matt.  21  -.4,  5.) 
Where  is  this  prophecy  found?  (Is.  62:2; 
Zech.  9:9.)  Why  did  Jesus  desire  to  fulfil 
this  prophecy?  Did  the  disciples  fully  un- 
derstand at  the  time  that  this  was  a  ful- 
fillment of  prophecy?  (John  12:14-16.) 
What  was  the  idea  of  the  coming  king 
presented  by  this  prophecy?  Why  was 
He  to  ride  upon  an  ass  rather  than  upon 
a  horse?    Upon  what  did  the  earlier  rulers 


of  the  Jews  ride?  (Judges  5:10;  12:14; 
2  Sam.  16:2;  I  Kings  1:33.)  Who  brought 
in  the  use  of  horses?  (i  Kings  10:26,  28.) 
Did  he  do  wrong  in  so  doing?  (Deut. 
17:15,  16.)  How  did  the  two  disciples 
show  that  they  were  real  disciples?  How 
can  one  show  he  is  a  real  friend  of  Jesus? 
(John  15:14.)  If  one  is  not  a  friend  of 
Jesus,  what  is  he?  (Matt.  12:30.)  How 
was  the  colt  saddled?  What  was  the 
meaning  of  their  putting  their  garments 
under  Him?     (2  Kings  9:13.) 

2.     The  exultant  multitude,  vv.  36-38. 

How  was  His  way  prepared  before  Him? 
What  was  the  object  of  that?  If  you 
had  been  there'would  you  have  thrown  your 
clothes  in  the  way?  Is  there  any  way  in 
which  nowadays  we  can  throw  our  coats 
and  shawls  in  the  path  of  Jesus?  What 
kind  of  branches  did  they  strew  in  the 
way?  (John  12:13.)  Is  there  any  way 
in  which  we  can  strew  flowers  in  Jesus' 
path?  (Matt.  25:45.)  To  what  point  does 
Luke  next  take  us  in  his  story?  At  just 
this  point  what  burst  upon  the  view  of 
the  multitude  that  thronged  about  Jesus? 
What  was  the  effect  upon  the  multitude 
of  that  sight?  Was  it  not  very  much  out 
of  place  for  them  to  so  forget  their  dig- 
nity and  get  so  excited  in  Christ's  service 
(vv.  39,  40)  ?  Why  is  it  we  so  seldom 
burst  forth  into  shouts  of  praise  and  ex- 
ultation? Was  the  enthusiasm  of  these 
people  backed  up  by  a  very  profound  ap- 
preciation of  who  He  was  and  sturdy  de- 
votion to  Him?  Is  noisy  and  transient 
enthusiasm  a  sufficient  substitute  for  in- 
telligent appreciation  of  Him  and  whole 
hearted  devotion  to  Him?  For  what  was 
it  especially  that  the  people  rejoiced  and 
praised  God?  What  mighty  work  was 
uppermost  in  their  minds  at  the  time? 
(John  12:17,  18.)     Was  there  anything  bet- 


234 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


ter  for  them  to  praise  God  for  than  the 
mighty  works  they  had  seen?  When  are 
we  most  likely  and  most  ready  to  praise 
God?  When  ought  we  to  praise  Him? 
(Eph.  5:20.)  If  we  only  have  that  kind 
of  praise  in  our  hearts  that  praises  God 
when  we  see  some  mighty  work,  what 
are  we  likely  to  do  when  we  do  not  see 
these  mighty  works?  (Compare  Ex.  15:1- 
21  and  15:23,  24;  also  Luke  19:37  and 
Mark  15:8-14.)  What  was  it  the  people 
cried?  How  do  Matthew  and  Mark  report 
the  cry?  (Matt.  21:9;  Mark  11:9,  10.) 
How  do  you  account  for  this  difference? 
Where  had  they  learned  this  cry?  (Ps. 
118:26.)  What  was  the  meaning  of  all 
this  outcry?  (John  12:13.)  Was  not  this 
a  strange  procession  for  a  king?  What 
sort  of  a  procession  might  He  have  had? 
(Rev.  19:14.)  What  was  the  meaning  of 
the  last  part  of  their  cry?  (Col.  1:20; 
Eph.  3:10,  R.  V.) 

J.     The  indignant  Pharisees,  vv.  39,  40. 

Was  the  exultation  very  widespread? 
(v.  37,  "whole  multitude".)  Were  there 
any  who  did  not  share  in  it?  Why  not? 
How  did  their  hatred  toward  Jesus  show 
itself?  Why  is  it  then  many  people  now- 
adays criticise  the  fervid  demonstrations  of 
some  in  their  religious  enthusiasm?  In 
whose  footsteps  are  those  following  who 
seek  to  repress  fervor  in  devotion  to 
Christ?  Was  Jesus  displeased  with  these 
demonstrations    of    gladness? 

4.     The  weeping  Saviour,  vv.  41-44. 

Amidst  this  universal  joy  who  was  sad? 
Was  this  grief  silent?  Is  not  crying  a 
sign  of  weakness?  What  made  Him  weep? 
Who  was  responsible  for  the  awful  doom 
that  awaited  the  city?  From  whom  was 
that  doom  to  come?  (Matt.  22:7.)  What 
two   attributes    of   God   are   illustrated   in 


this  weeping  of  Jesus  over  judgments  He 
Himself  was  to  send?  (Compare  Is.  63:9.) 
Can  Jesus  save  men  if  they  will  not  be 
saved?  (Matt.  23:37,  38;  John  5:40.)  If 
He  could  not  save  them,  what  could  He 
and  did  He  do?  When  Christ's  efforts 
fail  today  and  the  sinner  goes  madly  on 
to  eternal  self-ruin,  what  does  He  do? 
(Heb.  13:8.)  Who  else  wept  over  the 
determined  sinfulness  and  consequent  ruin 
of  His  people?  (Jer.  9:1;  13:27;  Ro.  9:2, 
3.)  If  we  were  more  like  Jesus  what 
would  we  do  as  we  see  people  around 
us  going  on  madly  in  sin  to  eternal  ruin? 
Why  do  we  not  weep  over  them?  Does 
this  weeping  of  Jesus  reveal  His  divinity, 
or  His  humanity?  What  wish  did  He  ex- 
press for  the  people?  What  is  meart  by 
"things  which  belong  unto  peace"?  What 
were  "the  things  which  belong  unto  peace"? 
(Luke  1:78,  79;  Acts  10:36;  Ro.  5:1.) 
Why  had  they  not  known  them?  (Matt. 
13:14,  15;  Acts  28:25-27;  2  Cor.  4:3,  4; 
2  Thess.  2:9-12;  Ro.  11:7-11.)  When  was 
it  they  should  have  known  the  things  that 
belonged  unto  their  peace?  What  is 
taught  by  the  insertion  of  this  clause  "In 
this  thy  day"  in  this  wish  expressed  by 
Christ?  When  must  God  be  sought?  (Is. 
55:6.)  What  would  be  the  result  of  Jeru- 
salem's not  knowing  the  things  that  be- 
longed unto  her  peace?  Of  what,  then, 
was  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  the  re- 
sult? What  will  be  the  result  for  us  if 
"in  this  day"  of  our  opportunity  we  do 
not  know  the  things  which  belong  unto 
our  peace?  (2  Thess.  1:7-9.)  Was  this 
prophecy  of  Christ  fulfilled?  How  minute- 
ly? Of  what  have  we  a  proof  in  this? 
Was  this  the  first  prophecy  of  this  de- 
struction? (Deut.  28:49-58;  Dan.  9:26; 
Mic.  3:12.)  What  was  the  cause  of  all 
this  terrific  ruin?  What  does  that  mean' 
Why  are  men  lost  now? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


235 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus. 

1.  His  person: 

Divine,  30,  44;  human,  31,  41. 

2.  His  offices: 

Prophet,  40-44;  priest,  38,  compare 
Col.  1:20;  king,  30-37;  Zech.  9:9, 
10;  character  of  His  reign,  peaceful, 
30-35;  Zech.  9:9,  10;  extent  of  His 
sway,  universal,  Zech.  9:9,  10;  Sav- 
iour— "having  salvation",  Zech.  9:9, 
10;  Lord — owns  all  things,  30,  com- 
pare Ps.  26:1;  50:10. 

3.  His  character: 

Meekness  and  humility,  Zech.  9:9; 
righteousness,  Zech.  9  19 ;  compassion, 
41 ;  sternness,  42-44- 

4.  What  to  do  with  Him: 

To  accept  Him  brings  peace,  42;  to 
reject   Him    brings    doom,   43-44- 

2.  Man. 

Transientness  of  his  religious  fervor, 
37-38;  unreliability  of  his  support, 
38,  compare  Mark  15:11-15;  blind- 
ness to  opportunity,  42,  44 ;  hatred 
of  Jesus,  39 ;  impending  doom,  43, 44. 


The  duty  of  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ. 

1.  Toward  God: 

To  recognize  Him  in  His  works,  37; 
to  praise  Him  heartily,  jubilantly, 
demonstratively,  continuously,  37,  38; 
to  exult  in  Him,  38. 

2.  Toward   Jesus   Christ: 

To  do  exactly  as  He  bids,  30-32,  35; 
perform  the  seemingly  humble  and 
insignificant  duties  He  commands, 
30-32;  go  on  His  errands,  no  mat- 
ter what  opposition  is  likely  to 
be  met,  31 ;  yield  to  His  use  what- 
ever He  asks  or  needs,  31 ;  use  their 
very  garments  to  glorify  Him,  35, 
2,6;  ask  no  questions  but  believe  that 
everything  will  turn  out  just  as  He 
says,   30-32. 

3.  Toward  the  impenitent: 

Pity   them,  41 ;    weep   over   them,   41 ; 
warn  them,  42,  44. 
.     Scripture. 

Its  certainty,  35,  compare  Zech.  9:9, 
10;  exactness,  35,  compare  Zech.  9 
R.  V.  and  v.  32;  power  to  give  dis- 
cernment. 38;  power  to  inspire 
praise,  38. 


LESSON  106. 

The  Cursing  of  the  Barren  Fig  Tree,  and  Second  Cleansing  of  the  Temple. 

Mark  11:12-26;   compare  Matt.  21:12-22;   Luke  19:45-48;    21:37,  38. 

morning  meal?  How  does  this  miracle 
differ  from  the  other  miracles  of  our  Lord? 
Just  after  what  was  this  miracle  of  judg- 
ment performed?  (Mark  11:1-10.)  Was 
its  purpose  simply  to  express  Christ's  dis- 
pleasure at  the  fig  tree,  or  was  there  in  it 
a  lesson  for  those  for  whom  that  fig  tree 
stood  as  a  type?  (Luke  13:6-9;  Matt.  21: 
33-43 ;  note  the  connection  of  this  parable 
with  the  miracle  in  vv.  19-21 ;  Is.  5 :4-7-_) 
What  right  had  Jesus  to  suppose  that  this 


DISCOX'ERY  OF  THE   FACTS. 

I.    Fruitlcssness  punished,  vv.  12-14. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  lesson  laid? 
What  was  the  time  of  day?  (Matt.  21:17, 
18.)  Why  was  Jesus  hungry?  Were  not 
the  people  of  Bethany  able  and  willing  to 
give  Him  sufficient  food?  (John  12:1,  2; 
compare  Mark  i:35)-  May  it  have  been 
that  Jesus  was  so  eager  to  get  to  the  work 
that  called  Him  to  Jerusalem  that  He 
would  not  wait  for  the  preparation  of  the 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


particular  fig  tree  had  figs  upon  it,  though 
the  time  for  the  general  fig  harvest  had 
not  yet  come?  What  right  had  Christ  to 
expect  fruit  from  Israel  though  the  season 
for  the  world's  fruitage  was  yet  remote? 
Is  the  lesson  of  the  miracle  then  merely  a 
warning  against  fruitlessness,  or  a  warning 
against  fruitlessness  where  there  is  an  op- 
portunity for  early  fruitage  and  the  out- 
ward promise  and  profession  of  it?  If 
the  lesson  of  it  in  that  day  was  especially 
for  Israel  with  their  peculiar  privileges  as 
contrasted  with  the  nations  at  large,  for 
whom  is  the  lesson  especially  today? 

Did  Jesus  really  expect  to  find  figs  on 
that  tree  (the  incident  thus  being  an  illus- 
tration of  the  perfect  humanity  of  Christ 
and  the  self-limitation  of  His  divine  om- 
niscience), or  does  the  13th  verse  merely 
imply  that  Jesus  went  near  to  see  if  the 
tree  bore  out  in  fruit  the  promise  of  its 
profession  in  leaves,  knowing  from  the  first 
that  it  did  not,  and  intending  to  teach  the 
disciples  the  valuable  lesson  of  this  para- 
boHc  miracle?  When  Jesus  came  to  the 
tree  what  did  He  find?  For  what  do  leaves 
stand  in  a  fig  tree?  Is  it  only  in  Israel  that 
Christ  finds  "nothing  but  leaves"  ?  What 
did  Jesus  say?  What  will  Jesus  soon 
say  of  the  professed  Christian  who  has  the 
outward  show  of  fruitage  but  upon  whom 
at  His  coming  He  finds  "nothing  but 
leaves"?  (Matt.  3:10;  7:19;  John  15:6; 
Heb.  6:7,  8.)  Had  Jesus  any  right  to  de- 
stroy some  one's  else  property  in  this  way? 
(Ps.  24:1;  50:10,  12.) 

2.  Greed  and  the  defilement  of  God's 
temple  rebuked,  vv.  15-19. 

Where  do  we  see  Jesus  next  exercising 
His  kingly  authority?  What  did  Jesus  find 
in  the  temple  that  displeased  Him?  Why 
was  Jesus  displeased?  Does  He  ever  find 
anything  in  the  churches  today  to  awaken 
a   similar    displeasure?     Were  the   Jewish 


authorities  probably  sensible  that  in  bring- 
mg  their  selfish  and  oppressive  traffic  in 
cattle,  doves  and  coin,  with  its  din  and  dirt, 
into  "the  court  of  the  Gentiles,"  they  were 
guilty  of  any  iniquity?  What  was  it  blind- 
ed them  to  that  fact?  Are  "religious  peo- 
ple" ever  similarly  blinded  by  self-interest 
today?  How  alone  can  we  in  our  self- 
judgments  escape  the  blinding  influence  of 
self-interest  upon  our  consciences?  (Ps. 
139:23,  24;  Jer.  17:9,  10.)  What  sort  of 
things  were  they  that  these  dealers  were 
selling?     (Compare  John  2:14.) 

For  what  purposes  were  these  things 
used?  Was  there  more  or  less  excuse  for 
selling  such  things  than  the  things  often 
sold  in  the  house  of  God  today?  How  did 
Jesus  manifest  His  displeasure?  Had  He 
the  sympathy  of  the  ecclesiastical  authori- 
ties? Why  then  did  not  some  one  stop 
Him?  In  rebuking  them  of  what  did  He 
make  use?  Of  what  expression  did  He 
make  use?  (Compare  Luke  19:46;  Matt 
21:13.)  Is  this  expression  used  often  in 
the  New  Testament?  Did  Jesus  and  the 
apostles  use  it  as  if  it  were  a  conclusive 
argument?  Ought  it  to  settle  a  question 
for  us  when  we  can  say:  "It  is  written"? 
Does  it  with  all  professing  Christians? 
What  did  Jesus  say  was  written?  Where 
was  it  written?  (Is.  56:7.)  From  what 
place  did  the  remainder  of  the  rebuke 
come?  (Jer.  7:11.)  What  are  we  to 
learn  from  the  fact  that  the  one  public  dis- 
play of  Christ's  kingly  authority  was  to 
cleanse  the  temple?  Had  Jesus  ever  before 
this  driven  the  money  makers  out  of  God's 
house?  (John  2:13-16.)  Why  had  the 
reformation  proved  so  short-lived?  Does 
the  fact  that  a  reformation  is  short-lived 
prove  that  it  is  not  from  God? 

What  was  Christ's  purpose  in  driving  the 
money  makers  out  at  the  beginning  and 
close  of  His  ministry?    In  the  first  instance 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


237 


when  He  drove  them  out  what  did  He  say 
they  had  made  of  His  Father's  house? 
(John  2:16.)  In  the  second  instance  what 
did  He  say  they  had  made  of  it?  Why  the 
stronger  language  in  the  second  place? 
Whose  house  did  He  call  it  in  the  first  in- 
stance? Whose  house  did  He  call  it  in  the 
second  instance?  What  is  taught  by  that? 
What  was  the  effect  of  Jesus'  action  upon 
the  ecclesiastical  authorities?  Why  were 
they  so  enraged?  To  what  extent  were 
they  willing  to  go  in  their  hatred?  What 
held  them  back  from  their  murderous  de- 
signs? (Compare  Luke  19:41.  48.)  Did 
Christ's  popularity  with  the  people  last?  Is 
popular  favor  a  safe  thing  to  rely  upon? 
Were  all  these  people  who  were  "aston- 
ished at  His  doctrine"  and  "were  very  at- 
tentive to  hear  Him"  (Luke)  saved?  What 
did  some  of  them  afterwards  become?  How 
many  of  those  who  "were  very  attentive  to 
hear  Him"  were  saved?  (John  5:24.)  Was 
Jesus  anything  daunted  by  the  fierce  hatred 
of  the  scribes  and  chief  priests?  (Luke 
19:47.)  Why  did  Jesus  leave  the  city  each 
day  at  evening?     (Mark  1:35;  John  18:2.) 

3.     The  pozver  of  faith,  vv.  20-26. 

What  was  the  effect  of  Christ's  words 
upon  the  fig  tree?  What  did  the  disciples 
think  of  that  when  they  saw  it?  (Matt. 
21 :20.)  What  was  the  first  thing  Jesus 
said  in  answer  to  their  astonishment?  Does 
it  pay  to  "have  faith  in  God"?  (2  Chron. 
20:20;  Is.  7:9;  John  14:1;  Heb.  11.)  How 
can  we  get  faith  in  God?  (Ro.  10:17.) 
What  reason  did  Jesus  give  them  in  this 
connection  for  having  faith  in  God?  What 
did  Jesus  say  faith  could  do?  Has  faith 
ever  moved  mountains?  Is  there  anything 
better  than  a  faith  that  can  move  moun- 
tains? (i  Cor.  13:2.)  How  much  is  pos- 
sible to  faith?  (Mark  9:23.)  Why  has 
faith  such  power?  (Matt.  19:26.)  How 
firm  must  one's  faith  be  to  remove  moun- 


tains (v.  22,)  ?  Why  is  it  then  that  oftentimes 
we  do  not  accomplish  what  we  attempt? 
(Matt,  17:19,  20.)  What  must  we  do  if 
we  really  desire  to  have  the  things  we 
pray  for?  What  change  does  the  Revised 
Version  make  in  the  statement  of  this  con- 
dition? How  can  we  believe  that  we  "have 
received"  the  things  we  pray  for?  (i  John 
5:14,  15.)  How  many  things  that  we  pray 
for  in  this  way  shall  we  get?  How  firm 
must  our  faith  be?  (James  1:5-7.)  Why 
is  it  then  we  fail  to  get  many  of  the  things 
we  ask  for?  What  other  conditions  of 
prevailing  prayer  are  mentioned  elsewhere? 
(John  14:13;  15:7;  I  John  3:22;  Luke 
18:1-8;  I  John  5:14,  15.)  Can  these  con- 
ditions be  separated  from  one  another  or 
does  each  really  involve  the  rest?  Does  it 
pay  to  have  faith  in  God?  What  hindrance 
to  prayer  does  Jesus  expose  in  v.  25?  Why 
will  not  our  heavenly  Father  answer  our 
prayers  if  we  cherish  any  ill-will  in  our 
heart  toward  those  who  have  trespassed 
against  us? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.  Jesus. 
His  divinity: 
"My  house,"  17;  humanity:  seen  in  His 
hunger,  12;  seen  in  the  self-limita- 
tion of  His  omniscience,  13;  consum- 
ing zeal  for  His  work;  hurried  away 
without  His  needed  breakfast  at  the 
call  of  work  or  prayer,  12;  unrelent- 
ing sternness;  toward  those  who  pol- 
luted God's  house  with  their  greed, 
15;  toward  fruitless  profession,  13, 
14;  unvarnished  plainness  of  speech, 
17;  unceasing  prayerfulness,  19; 
compare  John  18:2;  irresistible  au- 
thority, IS,  16;  undaunted  courage, 
15-18;  constant  appeal  to  the  written 
word,  17;  tender  regard  for  God's 
house,  IS,  16;  compare  John  2:13-17- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


2.  The  Hg  tree. 

It  had  leaves,  13;  had  "nothing  but 
leaves,"  13;  Jesus  saw,  investigated 
and  found  empty  its  promise  of  fruit- 
fulness,  13 ;  was  cursed,  21 ;  was 
doomed  to  perpetual  fruitlessness, 
14;  withered  away  at  the  roots,  20. 

3.  Faith. 

The  object  of  faith: 

God,  22. 
The  reason  of  faith : 

Christ  commands  it,  22. 
The  power  of  faith: 

Can  accomplish    anything   it    attempts, 
23;  can  get  whatever  it  asks,  24. 
The  measure  of  faith: 

"Shall  not  doubt,"  23. 
The  time  for  faith : 

Now,  22. 

4.  Prayer. 

(i)     To  whom  to  pray: 
The  Father,  24,  25. 


(2)  Who  can  pray  so  as  to  get  what 
they  ask: 

Those  who  obey  God,  24,  25 ;  who  have 
faith  and  do  not  doubt  in  their 
hearts,  23,  24;  who  forgive  those 
who  trespass  against  them,  25,  26; 
who  bear  fruit,  20,  23 ;  compare  John 
15:16. 

(3)  How  to  pray: 

In  faith,  believing  that  ye  have  received 
the   things   that  ye   ask,  24;    with   a 
forgiving  spirit,  25,  26. 
5.    The  Chief  Priests  and  the  Scribes. 

The  transientness  of  their  reformation, 
15;  compare  John  2:15,  16;  their  in- 
creasing wickedness — first  time  they 
made  God's  house  "a  house  of  mer- 
chandise," John  2:16;  second  time 
they  "made  it  a  den  of  robbers,"  17; 
their  stinging  rebuke  from  Jesus, 
15-18;  feared  Jesus,  18;  hated  Jesus 
even  unto  death,  18. 


LESSON  107. 
The  Parable  of  the  Two  Sons  and  the  Unfaithful  Husbandmen.     Matt. 

21:23-46. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  By  zvhat  authority  docst  tlioti  these 
things,  vv.  23-27. 

What  two  questions  did  the  Jewish  rulers 
put  to  Jesus?  Did  Jesus  directly  answer 
the  questions?  Why  not?  How  did  Jesus 
answer  the  questions?  Why  did  Jesus  ask 
these  questions?  Was  the  baptism  of  John 
from  heaven  or  from  men?  (John  i  :33-) 
By  what  authority  did  Jesus  do  the  things 
He  did?  (John  12:49.)  In  what  dilemma 
did  the  Jewish  rulers  find  themselves? 
What  answer  did  they  give  to  Jesus'  ques- 
tion? What  did  this  answer  show  in  re- 
gard to  their  right  to  ask  the  question  that 


they  had  put  to  Jesus  in  v.  23?  What  did 
Jesus  say  to  them  (v.  27)  ?  Wherein  lay 
the  appropriateness  of  these  words  of  Je- 
sus? 

2.  Disobedient  professors  and  penitent 
sinners,  vv.  28-32. 

What  gave  Jesus  occasion  to  speak  the 
two  parables  of  this  lesson  (v.  23)  ?  To 
whom  was  the  first  of  the  two  parables 
spoken  (vv.  23,  31,  2i^)  ?  Who  does  the 
Father  in  the  parable  represent?  Who  are 
represented  by  the  two  sons?  To  what  two 
classes  in  our  day  may  the  parable  be  legit- 
imately applied?  What  parable  in  Luke  is 
in  some  respects  closely  akin  to  this  ?    Was 


STUDIES    IN   THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


239 


this  parable,  or  that  in  Luke  15,  intended 
to  teach  "the  Universal  Fatherhood"  of 
God?  (John  8:42,  44;  i  John  3:10;  John 
1:12;  Eph.  2:3.)  What  was  the  Father's 
command?  What  comes  before  work?  If 
then  we  would  work  what  must  we  do? 
"Go"  where  F  Where  was  the  work  to  be 
done?  When  was  it  to  be  done?  What 
did  the  first  son  answer?  What  did  he  do 
afterward?  What  do  we  see  from  this 
that  repentance  consists  in?  Who  is  rep- 
resented by  this  son?  Will  God  accept  the 
man  who  at  first  positively  refuses  to  do 
His  bidding  and  afterwards  repents  and 
obeys?  (Acts  2:37,  38;  Is.  55:7;  Deut. 
4:28-31;  2  Chron.  33:10-13;  Ez.  18:27,  28; 
Jonah  3:8-10;  Luke  15:17,  18,  20.)  How 
great  a  sinner  is  God  willing  to  accept  and 
pardon  if  he  repents?  (2  Peter  3:9;  Is. 
1:16-19;  55:7.) 

What  did  the  second  son  say?  What  did 
he  do?  Who  does  that  represent?  (c. 
23:23;  Ez.  33:31;  Ro.  2:17-25;  Titus  1:16.) 
Have  we  any  such  persons  nowadays? 
Who  is  it  does  the  will  of  God  and  pleases 
Him— the  one  who  promises  to  do  and 
does  not  or  the  one  who  refuses  and  after- 
wards repents  and  obeys?  What  applica- 
tion did  Jesus  make  of  His  parable?  Will 
the  despised  and  degraded  of  today  in 
many  instances  "go  into  the  kingdom  of 
God  before"  the  respectable  religious  pro- 
fessor? Why  were  the  publicans  and  har- 
lots to  "go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  be- 
fore" the  chief  priests  and  elders?  Are 
the  outcasts  nowadays  ever  more  ready 
to  believe  God's  word  as  spoken  by  His 
messengers  than  the  moral  and  religious? 
What  was  it  then  led  the  publicans  and 
harlots  to  repentance  and  salvation?  What 
effect  might  we  naturally  suppose  the  re- 
pentance of  the  publicans  and  harlots 
would  have  upon  the  chief  priests  and  the 


elders?      Did    it    have   that    effect?      What 
was  the  consequence  (v.  31)? 

J.     God's  long  suffering  goodness,  vv.  jj- 
39- 

To  whom  was  the  second  parable  spoken? 
(Luke  20:9.)  How  did  Jesus  preface  this 
parable?  Why  in  this  manner?  What  sug- 
gested the  form  of  the  parable?  (Ps. 
80:8-11;  Is.  5:1,  2;  Jer.  2:21.)  How  prin- 
cipally does  the  parable  here  differ  from 
these  Old  Testament  parables?  (Compare 
Is.  5:7  and  v.  43.)  Who  does  the  house- 
holder represent?  What  is  meant  by  his 
digging  a  winepress,  etc.?  (Is.  5:4.)  Are 
we  to  take  each  of  these  details  as  having 
some  special  significance  in  and  of  itself? 
(Eph.  2:14.)  When  God  has  fully  equipped 
his  vineyard  what  is  He  represented  as 
doing?  Who  are  the  husbandmen  (v.  43)  ? 
What  is  meant  by  God's  letting  out  His 
vineyard  to  them?  To  whom  is  it  let  out 
today?  (i  Peter  4:10.)  Did  these  husband- 
men own  the  vineyard?  Do  we?  What 
was  the  proprietor's  next  move?  What  is 
that  meant  to  teach?  What  similar  teach- 
ing have  we  in  regard  to  Christ?  (Matt. 
25:14,  15;  Mark  13:34;  Luke  19:12.)  Did 
the  absence  of  the  proprietor  lessen  his 
ownership  of  the  vineyard  in  any  way  or 
the  responsibility  of  the  husbandmen? 
Does  Christ's  absence  in  any  way  lessen 
our  responsibility  to  Him?  What  was  the 
proprietor's  next  step?  Was  that  reason- 
able? Who  were  these  servants?  (2 
Chron.  36:15,  16;  Jer.  25:4.)  What  were 
the  fruits  demanded?  (2  Kings  17:13; 
Zech.  7:8-10.) 

Who  are  the  servants  God  sends  ro  the 
present  husbandmen?  What  are  the  fruits 
they  demand?  How  were  the  servants 
used?  Was  this  historically  true  of  Israel's 
treatment  of  their  prophets?  (c.  5:12;  2 
Chron.    36:16;    24:20,    21;    16:7,    10;    Jer. 


240 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


26:21-24;  Acts  7:52;  Neh.  9:26;  I  Kings 
18:4,  13;  19:2,  10;  22:26,  27.)  What  light 
does  this  treatment  of  their  prophets  by  Is- 
rael throw  upon  the  theory  that  these 
prophets  were  not  God-inspired  men  but 
simply  the  product  of  the  Israelitish  natural 
character  and  genius?  What  use  of  this 
singular  treatment  of  their  prophets  by  Is- 
rael did  the  early  Christian  teachers  make? 
(Acts  7:51,  52.)  Is  it  strange  that  such 
a  people  should  reject  their  anointed  King 
when  He  came?  Does  the  world  use 
godly  men  in  the  same  way  today?  (2 
Tim.  3:12.)  Why?  (John  15:19;  I7:i4; 
y-.y;  Ro.  8:7.)  What  was  the  last  resource 
of  the  householder  to  secure  his  due?  How 
did  this  messenger  differ  from  all  others? 
What  does  this  teach  us  in  regard  to  the 
difference  between  Jesus  and  the  greatest 
of  the  prophets? 

In  what  book  in  the  Bible  is  this  distinc- 
tion especially  emphasized?  (Heb.  i  :i,  2,  5; 
3:5,  6.)  What  does  Mark  add  as  to  the 
character  of  this  Son?  (Mark  12:6.) 
What  did  he  say  about  sending  the  Son? 
Are  we  to  understand  from  this  that  God 
did  not  really  know  how  the  Son  would  be 
used?  (Acts  2:22,  23.)  What  do  these 
words  mean?  Do  we  find  similar  forms 
of  expression  elsewhere  in  the  Bible?  (Jer. 
36:3;  Zeph.  3:7.)  What  was -the  actual 
reception  which  the  Son  received?  Are  we 
to  understand  from  this  that  the  Jews  and 
their  leaders  clearly  recognized  in  Christ 
the  Messiah  and  deliberately  planned  to  get 
His  Kingdom  from  Him?  (Luke  23:34; 
Acts  3:17;  I  Cor.  2:8.)  Did  they  recog- 
nize in  Jesus  a  superior  being  at  all?  (John 
11:47.)  What  was  their  excuse  then  for 
putting  Him  out  of  the  way?'  (John  11 :48- 
50.)  What  then  was  their  object  in  killing 
Him?  Did  the  secret  conviction  which  they 
were  unwilling  to  admit  even  to  themselves 


make  them  any  more  kindly  in  their  feel- 
ing toward  Jesus?  Who  is  the  bitterest 
kind  of  an  infidel  ?  Did  they  actually  carry 
their  plot  into  execution?  Is  there  any 
way  in  which  we  can  have  a  part  in  this 
appalhng  treatment  of  God's  Son? 

4.  God's  relentless  severity  toward  those 
zvho  despise  His  goodness,  vv.  40-46. 

With  what  searching  question  did  Jesus 
just  then  turn  upon  His  hearers?  What 
other  question  in  the  Bible  does  this  sug- 
gest? (Heb.  10:28,  29.)  What  did  they 
answer?  Whose  doom  did  they  thereby 
declare?  Is  this  doom  of  Israel  for  the  re- 
jection of  Christ  spoken  of  elsewhere? 
(22:6,  7;  23:35-38;  24:21,  22.)  When  was 
this  doom  executed?  (Luke  19:41-44.)  Is 
there  a  similar  doom  awaiting  those  who 
now  reject  Christ?  (Heb.  12:25.)  What 
is  to  be  done  with  the  kingdom  when  these 
husbandmen  are  destro3^ed?  What  nation 
is  this'  (Acts  15:15;  I  Peter  2:9;  Rev. 
5:9)  How  did  Jesus  confirm  this  teaching? 
Where  is  this  Scripture  found?  (Ps. 
118:22.)  Who  is  the  rejected  stone?  (Is. 
28:16;  iPeter2:6,  7;  Acts  4 :  11 ;  Eph.  2  :20; 
I  Cor.  3:11.)  Who  were  the  bungling 
builders?  Who  made  the  rejected  stone 
the  head  of  the  corner?  Does  it  ever  hap- 
pen now  that  the  stone  man  rejects,  God 
gives  a  place  in  His  building?  (i  Cor. 
1 :26,  27.)  What  is  the  application  Christ 
makes  of  His  own  parables?  What  fate 
does  He  say  will  overtake  those  who  fall 
on  this  stone?  Those  upon  whom  it  falls? 
What  two  classes  are  here  indicated?  Had 
there  been  any  prophecy  of  this  in  the  Old 
Testament?  (Ps.  2:12,  9;  110:5,  6;  Dan. 
2:34,  35,  44,  45;  Is.  8:14.  15.)  Did  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  know  whom  Jesus 
meant?  What  eft'ect  had  it  upon  them? 
What  restrained  them? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


241 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

Does  everything  for  His  kingdom 
necessary  for  its  fruitfulness,  22i', 
compare  Is.  s  :4 ;  entrusts  cultivation 
of  His  kingdom  to  men,  2>2>',  expects 
those  to  whom  He  entrusts  the  king- 
dom to  repay  Him  v^rith  the  fruits 
thereof,  34;  sends  His  messengers 
to  receive  the  fruits,  34.  Bears  long 
with  the  rebellious:  sends  servant 
after  servant,  35,  36;  at  last  sends 
His  own  Son,  ^j;  pardons  the  rebel- 
lious when  they  repent,  31 ;  admits 
the  rebellious,  when  they  repent,  into 
His  kingdom,  31. 

Deals  in  relentless  severity  with  those 
who  persistently  despise  His  good- 
ness, 40-44;  takes  the  kingdom  from 
them,  43;  miserably  destroys  them, 
35-41;  compare  Luke  20:15,  16.  Gives 
the  kingdom  to  others,  43.  God's 
command  to  His  sons:  "Go,"  28,  30; 
"Work,"  28,  30;  "Today,"  28,  30; 
"In  my  vineyard,"  28,  30. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 
(i)      His  nature: 

Divine — while  all  the  prophets  were 
merely  bondservants  (34  R.  V.  mar- 
gin)  He  was  a  Son,  37. 

(2)  His  characteristics: 

Obedience,  37,  38;  subordination  to  the 
Father,  37;  calmness,  25-46;  hero- 
ism, 28-46;  skill  as  a  teacher,  40,  4i- 

(3)  His  inheritance: 
God's  kingdom,  38. 

(4)  His  first  mission: 
To  Israel,  37. 

(5)  His  position: 

The  head  of  the  corner,  42. 

(6)  How  He  was  treated: 

Hated  by  the  chief  priests  and  Phari- 
sees, 45,  46 ;  honored  as  a  prophet  by 


the  multitudes,  46;  rejected  by  the 
Jewish  builders,  42 ;  made  the  head 
of  the  corner  by  the  Lord,  42;  cast 
out  and  killed,  39. 

(7)  His  authority  for  His  doctrine: 
God's  Word,  42. 

(8)  The  consequences  of  rejecting  Him: 
The    rejection    of    Him    the    final    and 

damning  sin,  39-41 ;  he  that  falleth 
on  Him  is  broken  to  pieces,  44,  R. 
V. ;  the  one  on  whom  He  falls  scat- 
tered as  dust,  44,  R.  V. ;  He  is  the 
foundation  stone  upon  which  we  may 
build  to  heaven  or  the  stumbling 
stone  over  which  we  may  stumble 
into  hell,  42,  44. 
What  will  you  do  with  Jesus? 

J.     The  kingdom  of  God. 

God  has  provided  everything  needful 
for  its  cultivation  and  fruitage,  33 ; 
its  cultivation  entrusted  to  men,  33; 
first  entrusted  to  Israel,  43;  taken 
from  Israel  because  of  their  unfaith- 
fulness, 43 ;  given  to  a  nation  bring- 
ing forth  the  fruits  thereof,  43;  en- 
trance secured  by  true  repentance, 
29-31 ;  entered  by  repentant  publicans 
and  harlots  rather  than  by  Pharisees 
who  profess  but  do  not,  31,  32. 

4.    Israel. 

Highly  and  exceptionally  favored  of 
God,  33-37;  entrusted  with  the  care 
of  His  vineyard,  33;  God's  servants 
sent  to  them  to  receive  His  fruits, 
34;  His  Son  sent  to  them,  37;  re- 
jected the  stone  which  God  made  the 
head  of  the  corner,  42;  misused 
God's  messengers,  35,  36;  murdered 
God's  Son,  39;  the  kingdom  taken 
from  them  and  given  unto  others,  43 ; 
destroyed  for  rejecting  the  Son  of 
God,  41. 


242 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


5.    Repentance. 
(i)     What  it  is: 
Such   sorrow   for   sin  as  leads   one  to 
forsake  it,  29   (see  Greek). 

(2)  What  it  comes  from : 
Believing  God's  Word,  32. 

(3)  How  it  manifests  itself: 


In  doing  what  God  bids,  29. 
(4)     How  it  is  rewarded : 
By  entrance  into  God's  kingdom,  31. 
6.     The  sinner's  three  steps  into  the  king- 
dom. 

Believing,   32;    repenting,    29;    obeying, 
29. 


LESSON  108. 
The  Parable  of  the  Marriage  Feast  of  the  King's  Son.     Matthew  22:1-14. 

joy  in  Christ?  (John  5:40.)  Why  are 
there  any  today  who  do  not  find  pardon, 
peace  and  life  in  Jesus?  Do  all  men  want 
to  go  to  God's  heaven?  Have  men  usually 
been  ready  to  accept  God's  invitation  of 
mercy?  (Prov.  1:24;  Is.  65:2,  12;  66:4; 
Jer.  6:16;  Ps.  81:10,  11;  Ro.  10:21;  Matt. 
23:37-)  Why  is  it  men  thus  treat  God's 
invitation?  (Jer.  17:9;  2  Cor.  4:4.)  Did 
the  king  stop  at  this  first  invitation?  To 
what  in  the  preceding  parable  does  this 
repetition  of  the  invitation  correspond? 
(21:36.)  Which  sets  forth  the  forbearance 
of  God  in  the  more  wonderful  light,  that 
He  repeats  the  neglected  demand  for  His 
fruits,  or  that  He  repeats  the  neglected  in- 
vitation to  His  feast?  Which  refusal  in- 
volves the  greater  guilt,  that  of  the  de- 
mands of  justice  or  that  of  the  offers  of 
mercj'?  Is  the  sin  of  rejection  since  the 
cross  and  resurrection  as  great  as  that  of 
His    contemporaries   before   the   cross    and 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  God's  invitation  disregarded  and  de- 
spised, vv.  1-7. 

WTio  is  the  speaker  in  this  lesson?  To 
whom  was  He  speaking?  What  was  their 
state  of  mind?  (21 :46.)  In  what  form  does 
He  put  His  teaching?  Why  did  He  choose 
this  method  of  teaching  at  this  time?  How 
is  this  parable  like  the  one  which  immedi- 
ately precedes?  How  does  it  differ?  Why 
is  it  said  "Jesus  answered  and  spake  unto 
them  again  by  parables"  ?  To  what  is  the 
kingdom  compared?  What  are  the  central 
truths  about  the  kingdom  wbich  Jesus 
wishes  to  bring  out  by  comparing  it  to  a 
marriage  feast?  Is  this  idea  of  marriage 
as  expressing  Christ's  relation  to  His  peo- 
ple found  elsewhere  in  the  Bible?  (2  Cor. 
II  :2;  Eph.  5:24-32;  John  3:29,  etc.)  What 
is  the  king  represented  as  doing  in  v.  3? 
Who  were  those  who  had  been  bidden? 
By  whom  had  they  been  bidden?  Who 
were  the  servants  whom  the  king  sent  forth 
to  call  them?  (c.  3:1,  2;  10:6,  7.)  Was  it 
customary  to  send  a  call  to  those  already 
invited?  What  would  naturally  be  expected 
when  this  call  came?  Are  the  people  of 
the  East  as  likely  to  accept  a  call  of  this 
kind  as  we  are?  Was  the  invitation  ac- 
cepted in  this  case? 

Why  were  these  people  shut  out  of  the 
feast?    Why  did  not  the  Jews  find  life  and 


resurrection?    To  whom  was  the  invitation? 
Is  it  worth  considering?     (Rev.  19:9-) 

How  was  this  second  invitation  received? 
Is  the  invitation  ever  so  received  now? 
Why  did  they  make  light  of  it?  Why  do 
men  today  leave  the  invitation  unheeded? 
(c.  13:22.)  How  would  such  treatment  of 
a  royal  invitation  have  been  regarded  by  a 
king?  How  does  God  regard  this  treatment 
of  His  invitation?  (Heb.  10:28,  29.)  Did 
any  go  further  than  simply  neglecting  the 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


24c 


invitation?  Was  this  historically  true  of 
the  Jewish  treatment  of  God's  servants  who 
came  to  invite  them  to  His  feast?  (Acts 
4:1-3;  7 '54,  59- )  Is  God's  invitation  ever 
received  that  way  nowadays?  Why  this  ex- 
traordinary treatment  of  an  invitation  of 
mercy?  What  were  the  king's  feelings? 
What  does  that  teach  us  about  God?  How 
did  the  king  display  his  anger?  Of  what 
historical  event  is  this  a  prediction?  (Luke 
19:42-44;  21:20-22.)  What  then  was  the 
cause  of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem?  Had 
this  been  predicted  in  the  Old  Testament? 
(Dan.  9:26;  Micah  3:12.) 

2.     God's  invitation  accepted,  vv.  8-10. 

What  was  the  next  step  on  the  part  of 
the  king?  What  was  the  king's  judgment 
in  regard  to  those  first  called?  What 
makes  one  worthy?  (Luke  18:14,  15;  Rev. 
22:14.)  When  one  rejects  the  invitation 
what  does  he  in  effect  do?  (Acts  13:46.) 
Were  the  servants  merely  to  bid  those  in 
the  highways  to  come?  What  duty  does 
this  lay  on  the  church  ?  How  many  were 
they  to  bid?  To  whom  are  we  to  give  the 
gospel  invitation?  (]\Iark  16:15.)  To 
whom  is  the  Gospel  invitation?  (Rev. 
22:17.)  What  did  the  servants  do?  How 
many  were  gathered  together?  Who  are 
mentioned  first?  If  the  church  in  its  work 
puts  either  good  or  bad  first,  which  should 
it  be?  Have  Christ's  servants  always  been 
as  true  to  their  commission  aS  they  are 
represented  as  being  here?  Is  there  room 
in  the  kingdom  for  those  who  have  been 
very  bad?  (i  Cor.  6:10,  11.)  Shall  God's 
marriage  feast  be  unprovided  with  guests? 
Of  whom  will  they  be  composed?  (Rev. 
7:13,  14.  ) 

.?.     The  unprepared  guests,  vv.  11-14. 

When  the  guests  had  arrived  what  is  the 
next  step  in  the  story?  What  does  the  Re- 
vised Version  in  v.  11  substitute  for  "see"? 


Why  this  change?  What  strange  sight 
greeted  his  eyes  ?  Of  what  is  the  wedding 
garment  a  figure?  (Is.  61  :io;  Rev.  19:7,  8; 
Ps.  132:9;  Eph.  4:24;  Rom.  13:14.)  Is  it 
our  own  righteousness  we  are  to  appear  in? 
(Is.  64:6;  Zech.  3:3,  4;  Phil.  3:9.)  From 
whom  does  this  robe  come?  (Luke  15:22.) 
How  do  we  get  it?  (Ro.  3:22.)  When 
have  we  it  on?  (Ro.  13:12-14;  2  Cor. 
13:5-)  How  many  is  the  king  mentioned 
as  seeing  wathout  a  wedding  garment? 
Why  only  one  mentioned?  Had  this  one 
in  his  heart  really  accepted  the  invitation  to 
the  wedding  feast? 

If  one  really  accepts  God's  invitation  to 
heaven  what  will  he  do?  What  really  was 
his  neglect  to  make  ready?  If  we  out- 
wardly accept  God's  invitation  and  do  not 
make  ready  what  do  we  do?  How  was  this 
foolish  guest  brought  to  his  senses?  How 
will  all  those  who  are  unprepared  for  the 
marriage  supper  be  brought  to  their  senses? 
Had  he  any  excuse  to  offer?  Have  we 
any  excuse  for  going  to  God's  feast  with- 
out preparation?  What  became  of  this  un- 
prepared guest?  What  lesson  in  that  for 
us?  On  what  ground  was  he  cast  out? 
Does  this  outer  darkness  stand  for  anything 
real?  What  is  Jesus'  summing  up  of  the 
teaching  of  the  whole  parable?  Does  he 
really  mean  it  ?  Who  are  the  called  ?  Who 
are  the  chosen? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     The  kingdom  of  heaven. 
(i)     Its  character: 
A  place  of  festal  joy — a  marriage  feast, 
2,    R.  v.;    a    full  place— "filled  with 
guests,"   10,  R.  V. 
(2)     The  invitation: 
First   to  the  Jew,  3-6;    afterward   the 
Gentile,  9;    to  bad  and  good,   10;    to 
all,     9;      disregarded     by     some,     3; 
treated  with   contempt  by  others,  5; 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LO:iD 


hated   by   others,   6;     accepted    bj^   a 
multitude,   lo. 

(3)  The  necessary  preparation: 
Accepting   the    invitation,  4-6;    putting 

on  the  wedding  garment,  11-13. 

(4)  Worthiness : 

Consists  of  a  hearty  acceptance  of  the 
invitation,  8,  11-13. 

(5)  What  is  outside  the  kingdom: 
Darkness,    13;    weeping,   13;    gnashing 

of  teeth,  13;    bondage,  13. 
God. 
(i)     His  Grace: 
Makes  a  marriage  feast  for  His  Son,  2 ; 
bids  guests,  3 ;    calls  those  who  were 
bidden,    3;     will    have    a    full    table 
though  many  refuse,  9;    extends  His 
invitation  to  all,  9. 

(2)  His  long-suffering  mercy: 
Repeats  invitation  of  love  even  to  those 

who  refuse  it,  4. 

(3)  His  watchfulness: 

Carefully    observes   guests    who    come, 
II. 

(4)  His  severity: 

Is   wroth   with   those   who   despise   His 
long-suffering   and   misuse    His    mes- 


sengers, 7;  calls  unprepared  guest  to 
account,  12;  orders  unprepared  guest 
be  cast  into  outer  darkness,  13; 
destroys  murderers  of  His  messen- 
gers, 7. 
(S)  His  command  to  His  servants: 
"Go  ye  therefore  to  the  partings  of  the 
highways,  and  as  many  as  ye  shall 
find,  bid  to  the  marriage  feast,"  9, 
R.  V. 

The  man  zclw  had  not  on  the  zvedding 
garment. 

Was  invited,  9;  heard  the  invitation, 
11;  outwardly  and  seemingly  accepted 
invitation,  11;  neglected  necessary 
preparation,  11-13;  unpreparedness 
seen  by  God,  11,  12;  was  called 
to  account,  12;  was  speechless,  12; 
was  cast  out  "into  the  outer  dark- 
ness," 13. 
Man. 

Refuses  God's  invitations,  4,  5;  makes 
light  of  God's  long-suffering  grace, 
6;  misuses  God's  messengers,  6;  will 
not  come,  3;  compare  Jer.  17:9;  2 
Cor.  4:4;    Ro.  8:7. 


LESSON  109. 
Christ's  Teaching  Concerning  Civil  Government 

DISCOVERY  OF   THE  FACTS. 

I.     The  Pharisees  and  Herodians  conspir- 
ing against  Christ,  vv.  i^-ij. 

Who  were  the  Pharisees?    Who  were  the 


Matthew  22:15-22. 


Herodians?  Were  they  friends  to  one  an- 
other? What  had  they  in  common?  Was 
this  the  first  occasion  upon  which  these  two 
parties  conspired  together  against  the  ob- 
ject of  their  common  hate?  (Mark  3:6.) 
What  does  the  fact  of  these  two  hostile 
parties  plotting  together  show  the  character 
of  their   hatred  to  have  been?     What  did 


they  attempt  to  do?  Is  that  ever  attempted 
nowadays?  Is  there  much  chance  of  suc- 
ceeding in  the  attempt?  Who  were  the 
ones  who  were  "entangled"  before  this  con- 
versation was  over?  If  one  attempts  to- 
day to  make  a  tangle  out  of  the  words  of 
Christ  who  is  most  likely  to  get  entangled? 
When  Jesus  Christ  had  controversies  with 
men  who  always  came  out  ahead?  Will  it 
always  be  so?  Is  it  best  then  to  have  any 
controversies  with  Him?  What  is  it  best 
to  do  with  Him  and  His  words?  Did 
Jesus  escape  the  hatred  and  plots  of  men 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


245 


and  strife  of  tongues  by  His  wisdom  and 
goodness? 

Will  any  amount  of  goodness  and  wisdom 
on  our  part  enable  us  to  escape  the  hatred 
and  plots  of  men?  (John  15:18-20.)  Was 
it  an  occasion  of  any  grief  to  Jesus  that  He 
was  obliged  to  suffer  this  contradiction  of 
sinners  against  Himself?  (Ps.  69:3,  4,  19, 
20.)  Of  what  was  this  "counsel"  which 
they  took  against  Jesus  a  partial  fulfillment? 
(Ps.  2:2.)  Which  involves  the  greater 
guilt,  the  sin  committed  in  haste  and 
thoughtlessness,  or  that  which,  like  this,  is 
deliberate  and  planned?  (Compare  Micah 
2:1.)  What  was  the  plan  they  hit  upon  to 
carry  out  their  nefarious  purposes?  Was 
the  plot  skillfully  laid?  How  did  they  open 
their  conversation?  What  does  this  show 
them  to  have  been?  Are  such  tactics  em- 
ployed nowadays?  What  shall  we  say  of 
the  one  who  employs  them?  (Ps.  5:9,  10.) 
Were  they  telling  the  truth  in  saying,  "Thou 
art  true"  ?  ( i  John  5  :2o ;  John  14 :6. )  Were 
they  telling  the  truth  in  saying :  "Thou 
teachest  the  way  of  God  in  truth"?  Were 
they  telling  the  truth  in  saying :  "Thou  re- 
gardest  not  the  person  of  men"?  (Gal.  2: 
6;  Jas.  2:1.) 

Should  we  regard  the  person  of  men  or 
shape  our  teaching  or  words  to  please 
them?  (Gal  1:10;  i  Thess.  2:4.)  H  all 
these  statements  about  Jesus  Christ  were 
true  what  was  there  out  of  the  way  in 
their  making  them?  Is  it  true  that  "the 
Devil  never  lies  so  foully  as  when  he  tells 
the  truth"?  While  calling  Him  "Master" 
and  lauding  Him  so  abundantly,  what  were 
they  trying  to  prove  Him  and  do  with  Him  ? 
Are  there  any  today  who  speak  in  great 
praise  of  Jesus  while  in  fact  they  are  try- 
ing to  prove  Him  an  imposter  and  do  away 
with  His  authority?  What  question  did 
these  plotters  put  to  Jesus?     If  Jesus  an- 


swered "No"  to  this  question,  whose  enmity 
would  He  incur  and  so  bring  ruin  upon  His 
own  head?  (Luke  23:1,  2.)  If  He  an- 
swered "Yes,"  whose  enmity  would  He  in- 
cur? Did  it  not  seem  as  if  these  wily  flat- 
terers had  Jesus  in  a  corner?  Did  He  find 
any  difficulty  in  escaping  the  horns  of  the 
dilemma  on  one  of  which  they  expected  to 
impale  Him?  In  whose  discomfiture  will 
every  attempt  to  contend  with  Him  result? 
Where  might  these  Jews  have  found  a  di- 
rect answer  to  this  question  whether  it  was 
lawful  to  pay  tribute  to  a  king  by  whom 
they  had  been  subjected?     (Jer.  27:12,  13.) 

2.  The  Pharisees  and  Hcrodians  con- 
founded by  Jesus,  vv.  18-22. 

Did  Jesus  see  the  snare?  Did  Jesus  see 
anything  besides  the  snare?  (Compare  Rev. 
2:23;  John  2:25;  Mark  2:8;  Luke  9:47; 
20:23;  Mark  12:15.)  Can  tfie  hypocrite 
put  on  any  mask  that  Jesus  cannot  see 
through?  What  did  He  call  them?  Was 
that  courteous?  Of  what  recent  statement 
of  their  own  did  He  prove  the  truth  by  this 
utterance?  What  question  did  He  put  to 
them?  Do  all  hypocrites  tempt  Christ?  Is 
it  serious  business  to  tempt  Him?  (i  Cor. 
10:9.)  How  did  He  answer  the  main  ques- 
tion? What  was  the  point  of  this  answer? 
By  accepting  and  carrying  the  coinage  of 
the  Roman  empire  what  else  did  they  ac- 
cept? By  accepting  the  Roman  govern- 
ment what  responsibility  did  they  accept? 
They  had  asked  if  they  should  ''give  trib- 
ute unto  Caesar";  what  verb  did  He  use  in 
answering  them?  What  does  "render" 
mean?  (See  Luke  4:20;  9:42,  where  same 
word  is  used  in  the  Greek.)  Paying  trib- 
ute, then,  was  simply  what?  What  did 
Jesus  teach  we  are  to  pay  back  unto 
Caesar?  What  are  the  things  that  rightly 
belong  to  Caesar  or  the  civil  government? 
(Ro.  13:  1-7;  I  Peter  2:13-17.) 


246 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


What  limitation  of  the  duty  of  obedience 
to  civil  rulers  did  Jesus  state?  (Compare 
Acts  4:19;  5:29;  Dan.  3:16-18;  6:10.) 
What  were  they  to  render  to  God?  Is  it 
as  important  to  "render  unto  God  the  things 
that  are  God's"  as  to  render  unto  Caesar 
or  any  other  man  the  things  that  are  his? 
What  are  the  things  that  are  rightfully 
God's?  (Matt.  22:37;  4:10;  Mai.  1:6-8;  3: 
8-10;  John  14:1;  Dan.  6:23.)  By  what  had 
Jesus  proved  that  the  tribute  money  right- 
fully belonged  to  Caesar  (v.  20)  ?  Whose 
image  is  upon  us?  (Gen.  1:27;  9:6;  Jas. 
3:9.)  To  whom  then  do  we  rightfully  be- 
long? If  then  we  do  not  pay  ourselves 
back  to  God  what  are  we  doing?  (Mai.  3: 
8.)  Are  you  rendering  unto  God  the  things 
which  are  God's?  What  was  the  effect  of 
Jesus'  answer  upon  His  questioners?  (Com- 
pare vv.  33,  46.)  What  did  they  do  as  they 
marveled?  What  would  have  been  the 
proper  sequel  of  marveling?  Does  marvel- 
ing at  Jesus  even  nowadays  always  lead  to 
following  Jesus?  Do  you  marvel  at  Him? 
Do  you  follow  Him  or  leave  Him?  Are 
there  many  in  whose  eyes  Christ  is  marvel- 
ous and  yet  not  "precious"?  Is  it  possible 
for  us  to  discomfit  our  enemies  as  Jesus  did 
His?  (Luke  21:15;  Acts  6:10.)  Where  is 
it  said  the  Pharisees  went?  Whither  did 
"their  way"  lead?     (Prov.  14:12.) 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus. 

(i)     What  He  was: 
True,  16;  divine,  18;  compare  Rev.  2: 
23  and  2  Chron.  6:30;   an  object  of 
bitter    hatred,    15-18;     an    object    of 
man's     cunning     and     unscrupulous 
plots,  15-18;  marveled  at  even  by  His 
enemies,  22. 
(2)     What  He  did: 
Taught  the  way  of  God  in  truth,    16; 


knew  men's  hearts,  18;  penetrated 
men's  plots,  18;  exposed  their  wick- 
edness and  hypocrisy,  18;  rebuked 
their  wickedness  in  plainest  and  most 
scathing  language,  18;  skillfully  es- 
caped the  most  cunningly  devised 
snare,  17-21 ;  confounded  His  ene- 
mies, 17-21 ;  forced  His  enemies  to 
condemn  themselves,  17-21. 
(3)  What  He  did  not : 
Care  for  any  man's  favor,  16;  regard 
any  man's  person,  16 ;  fall  a  prey  to 
any  man's  cunning,   16-21. 

2.     The  Pharisees. 

(i)  Their  hatred  of  Christ: 
Took  counsel  against  Him,  15;  tried  to 
ensnare  Him,  15;  deliberately  plotted 
His  death,  15-17;  conspired  with  their 
own  enemies  in  order  to  destroy  Him, 
16. 

(2)  Their  cunning,  17. 

(3)  Their  hypocrisy : 

Praised  Him  with  their  lips  while  plot- 
ting His  ruin  in  their  hearts,  16; 
asked  His  advice  while  only  desiring 
His  destruction,  17. 

(4)  Their  discomfiture : 

Their  hypocrisy  unmasked,  18;  their 
wickedness  rebuked,  18 ;  their  plot  up- 
set, 19-21 ;  themselves  convicted  and 
confounded,    19-22. 

(5)  Their  folly: 

Marveled  at  Jesus  but  did  not  follow 
Him,  22. 

(6)  Their  ruin  : 

They  "went  their  way,"  22,  compare 
Prov.  14:12. 

J.     Man's  duty. 

Render  unto  Caesar  the  things  which 
are  Caesar's,  21 ;  render  unto  God  the 
things  which  are  God's,  21. 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


247 


LESSON   110. 

The  Pharisees  and  Sadducees  Questioning  Christ  and  Christ  Questioning 

the  Pharisees.     Matthew  22:23-46.    Compare  Mark 

12:18-37;    Luke  20:20-44. 

What  was   his  purpose?      (Compare  Alark 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

1.  The  Sadducees'  question,  vv.  23-33- 
Who  already  on  this  day  had  been  seek- 
ing to  entrap  Jesus  (vv.  15,  16)  ?  Who 
now  seek  to  entrap  Him?  Who  were  the 
Sadducees?  (v.  23;  compare  Acts  23:8.) 
Were  they  a  powerful  party  in  the  Jewish 
church  in  the  time  of  Christ?  (Acts  4:1, 
2,  5,  17.)  What  question  did  they  put  to 
the  Saviour?  What  was  the  object  of  the 
question?  Did  the  question  perplex  Jesus 
at  all?  What  did  He  tell  them  they  were 
doing  (v.  29)  ?  What  did  He  say  was  the 
source  of  their  error  (v.  29)  ?  How  much 
error  comes  from  ignorance  of,  or  unbelief 
in,  tlie  Scriptures?  (Compare  Luke  24:25- 
27,  44-46;  2  Tim.  3:13-16.)  How  much 
error  comes  from  ignorance  of  the  power 
of  God?  By  what  statement  about  the  res- 
urrection life  did  Jesus  sweep  away  all 
their  sophistry?  What  two  things  does  v. 
30  teach  us  about  our  life  after  the  resur- 
rection? Of  what  particular  scripture  had 
the  Sadducees  been  ignorant?  (vv.  31,  32; 
compare  Mark  12:26;  Luke  20:37.)  How 
did  the  passage  cited  prove  the  resurrec- 
tion ?  What  v.-as  the  effect  of  Jesus'  answer 
upon  the  multitude? 

2.  The  Pharisees'  question,  vv.  34-40. 
With  whom  had  Jesus  been  discussing  up 

to  this  point?  What  had  been  the  result  of 
the  discussion  between  Jesus  and  the  Sad- 
ducees ?  What  had  been  the  purpose  of  both 
Pharisees  and  Herodians  in  asking  Jesus 
questions?  (Compare  Luke  20:20.)  What 
had  been  the  purpose  of  the  Sadducees? 
What  had  been  the  outcome  in  each  case 
(35)?     Who   was   the   present  questioner? 


12:32-34.)  Was  he  an  honest  seeker  after 
light?  How  did  he  show  his  good  sense  in 
his  quest  after  light.  What  was  his  ques- 
tion (36)  ?  Was  this  question  a  proper 
one  ?  Are  some  matters  of  the  law  weight- 
ier than  others?  (Matt.  23:23.)  Will  one 
who  really  loves  God  seek  to  know  and  do 
only  the  weightier  duties?  What  will  he 
seek  to  know  and  do?  What  kind  of  an 
answer  did  Jesus  give  to  this  man's  ques- 
tion? Did  Jesus  treat  all  questions  in  this 
way?  (Compare  Luke  13:23,  24;  John  21: 
21,  22;  Acts  1:6,  7.)  What  determined 
Jesus'  treatment  of  a  question?  What  was 
Jesus'  answer?  Which  commandment  did 
He  say  this  was  (38)  ?  Whose  rights  are 
the  supreme  rights?  How  do  the  rights  of 
the  whole  human  race  put  together  compare 
with  the  rights  of  God? 

Why  are  the  rights  of  God  superior  to 
those  of  the  whole  human  race?  Is  this 
one  of  the  Ten  Commandments?  What  is 
its  relation  to  the  Ten  Commandments? 
(Deut.  6  :4,  5.)  If  this  is  the  first  and  great 
commandment,  what  is  the  first  and  great 
sin?  How  many  of  us  have  broken  it? 
How  then  do  we  stand  before  God? 

L'fpon  what  kind  of  moralities  alone  do 
we  differ  one  from  another?  What  does  it 
mean  practically,  to  love  God  with  all  the 
heart,  with  all  the  soul  and  with  all  the 
mind?  Is  this  commandment  intended  to 
save  us?  What  is  the  purpose  of  this 
commandment?  What  is  its  relation  to  sal- 
vation? How  is  life  obtained?  (Ro.  6:23, 
R.  V.)  What  is  God's  first  and  only  com- 
mandment under  the  Gospel?  (i  John  3: 
23.)     How  can  we  learn  to  thus  love  God? 


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(i  John  4:19.)  What  is  the  second  com- 
mandment? What  does  it  mean  to  love 
one's  neighbor  as  one's  self?  How  many  of 
us  have  kept  this  commandment?  How 
long  will  we  continue  to  break  it?  After 
we  are  born  again,  will  we  love  our  neigh- 
bors as  ourselves?  ( I  John  3:16,  17;  John 
13:34;  Phil.  2:;}.)  While  the  law  says: 
"This  do  and  thou  shalt  hve,"  what  does 
the  Gospel  say?  In  the  Gospel,  does  obed- 
ience come  before  life,  or  life  before  obed- 
ience? What  is  the  relation  of  these  two 
commandments  to  man's  whole  duty? 

J.     Christ's  question,  z'v.  41-46. 

What  had  these  Pharisees  been  doing? 
(vv.  17,  35.)  What  had  been  the  purpose 
of  these  questions?  What  had  been  the  re- 
sult of  the  questions?  What  change  in 
the  program  did  Jesus  introduce  at  this 
point?  Did  He  take  them  separately  and 
defeat  them  or  put  the  whole  company  to 
confusion  at  once?  Why  was  He  able  to 
route  the  whole  company  single-handed? 
(Is.  8:g,  10.)  What  was  the  question  Jesus 
asked  them?  Is  that  question  an  important 
one?  How  much  depends  on  our  thinking 
the  right  thing  about  Christ?  (i  John  5:5; 
John  20:31;  Heb.  10:28,  29.)  How  can  we 
get  right  thoughts  about  Christ?  (John  5: 
39;  John  16:13,  14;  I  Cor.  12:3;  i  John  5: 
I.)  Did  the  question  seem  to  the  Pharisees 
a  very  hard  one  to  answer?  Was  it  as  easy 
as  they  thought?  What  was  their  answer? 
Was  that  answer  true?  (c.  i:i;  21:9;  Is. 
11:1-4;  John  7:41,  42;  Acts  13:22,  23.) 
Was  it  the  whole  truth  (Ro.  1:3,  4;  Matt. 
16:16,  17;  John  6:69;  Matt.  14:33;  John 
I  :49.)  As  "the  Son  of  David"  what  was 
Christ?  As  "the  Son  of  God"  what  was 
He?     (Ro.  9:5;   Heb.  1:8.) 

What  second  question  did  Jesus  pro- 
pound to  the  Pharisees?  Was  this  as  easy  a 
question  for  them  to  answer  as  the  first  one 


had  seemed?  What  was  His  purpose  in 
asking  it?  From  what  portion  of  the  Old 
Testament  was  the  quotation  taken  upon 
which  the  question  was  founded?  (Ps.  no: 
I.)  Of  whom  did  Jesus  say  these  words 
in  Ps.  no  were  spoken?  Is  it  essential  to 
the  argument  here  used  by  Jesus  that  these 
words  should  have  been  spoken  by  David 
and  of  the  Christ?  An  argument  for  what 
did  Jesus  build  upon  the  Messianic  applica- 
tion and  Davidic  authorship  of  these  words? 
If  then  they  were  not  written  by  David  or 
do  not  refer  to  the  Messiah,  upon  what  did 
Jesus  build  an  argument  for  His  own  Di- 
vinity? Of  what  then  do  these  "higher 
critics"  who  deny  the  Davidic  authorship 
of  these  words  charge  Jesus?  Can  anyone 
who  is  loyal  to  Jesus  as  the  Christ  and 
divine,  believe  that  He  either  built  an  argu- 
ment for  His  divinity  upon  a  mistake  or 
else  deliberately  deceived  His  opponents  by 
using  a  verse  to  prove  His  divinity  which 
He  knew  did  not  apply  to  Himself  or  was 
not  by  the  author  to  whom  for  the  sake  of 
His  argument  He  had  ascribed  it?  If  we 
must  choose  on  so  vital  a  point  as  this  be- 
tween the  authority  of  Jesus  or  that  of  any 
modern  scholar,  no  matter  how  devout  a 
Christian  he  may  be,  which  must  we 
choose?  Is  this  verse  applied  to  Christ  or 
ascribed  to  David  anywhere  else  in  the  New 
Testament?  (Acts  2:34,  35;  compare  Heb. 
10:12,  13;  I  Cor.  15:25;  Heb.  1:3,  13;  12: 
2.)  How  did  David  call  Christ  "Lord"? 
(Compare  i  Cor.  12:3.) 

What  is  meant  by  the  words  "in  spirit"? 
(See  R.  v.,  and  compare  2  Sam.  23  :2 ;  Mark 
12:36;  Acts  1:16;  Heb.  2:7;  2  Peter  1:21.) 
When  the  Holy  Ghost  speaks  through  a 
man,  whose  words  are  those  which  are 
spoken?  What  is  it  that  David  called 
Christ?  Is  anyone  else  recorded  as  calling 
Him  "my  Lord"?      (John  20:28;    Phil.  3: 


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249 


8.)  Is  it  of  any  importance  to  call  Him 
"Lord"?  (Ro.  10:9  R.  V.)  What  does  the 
title  "Lord"  mean?  To  whom  is  the  title 
usually  applied  in  the  Old  Testament?  To 
whom  is  it  usually  applied  in  the  New 
Testament?  What  significant  additions  are 
sometimes  made  to  the  title  when  applied  to 
Jesus  in  the  New  Testament?  (Acts  10: 
36;  I  Cor.  2:8;  compare  Ps.  24:8-10.)  Who 
will  eventually  be  compelled  to  acknowledge 
the  Lordship  of  Jesus?  (Phil.  2:11.)  What 
is  the  difference  between  simply  calling 
Christ  "Lord"  and  calling  Him  "my  Lord"  ? 
Do  you  call  Him  "my  Lord"  ?  Is  He  really 
your  Lord?  What  did  Jehovah  say  to  the 
Christ?  What  is  indicated  by  His  sitting 
at  Jehovah's  right  hand?  (Heb.  10:12-14; 
Eph.  I  :20-22.)  Is  it  of  any  importance  to 
us  that  He  sits  at  Jehovah's  right  hand? 
Heb.  8:1;  Ro.  8:34;  I  John  2:1;  Rev.  3:31.) 
Has  Jehovah  ever  conferred  such  honor  on 
any  other  being?  (Heb.  1:13.)  Why  was 
this  honor  conferred  upon  Jesus  Christ? 
(Phil.  2:6-9.) 

Until  what  time  is  the  Christ  to  occupy 
this  place  of  rest,  power  and  majesty? 
When  this  hour  for  complete  victory  shall 
come  what  will  He  do?  (Is.  63:1-6;  Rev. 
19:11-21;  Ps.  2:8,  9.)  What  shall  become 
of  His  enemies  in  that  hour?  (Ps.  2:8,  9; 
Luke  19:27;  2  Thess.  1:7-9;  2:8.)  Having 
brought  forward  this  verse,  what  question 
did  Jesus  put  to  them?  Could  any  of  them 
answer  the  question?  What  is  the  answer 
to  this  question :  How  could  the  Christ  be 
at  one  and  the  same  time  David's  son  and 
David's  Lord?  (Ro.  1:3,  4;  i  Tim.  3:16; 
Heb.  2:14;  Phil.  2:6-8;  Rev.  22:16.)  What 
was  the  effect  of  this  discomfiture  of  these 
Pharisees?  (Compare  Luke  13:17;  14:6.) 
Were  these  silenced  Pharisees  converted? 
If  sinners  will  not  allow  Christ  to  be  glori- 
fied in  their  conversion,  how  will  He  be 
glorified  in  them? 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

His  power,  29 : 
The  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Jacob, 
32;    the  God  of  the  living,  32;    He 
spoke  of  Moses,  31 ;  the  supreme  ob- 
ject of  our  love,  27- 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  nature: 

Divine:     son  of  God,  43,  44;  Lord,  43- 

45. 
Human  :    son  of  David,  42. 

(2)  His  office: 

Lord,  43-45  ;  King,  44. 

(3)  His  matchless  skill: 

As  a  controversialist,  23-46 ;  as  a  teach- 
er, 23-46. 

(4)  His    reliance   upon    Old   Testament 
scriptures,  29,  31,  32,  37-39,  43-45. 

(5)  His  exaltation  and  glory,  44;  com- 
pare Eph.  I  :20-23 ;  Heb.  i  :i3. 

(6)  His    present    rest    in    His    finished 
work,  44;  compare  Heb.   Jo:ii,   12. 

(7)  His  rule,  44. 

(8)  His  expectant  waiting,  44. 

(9)  His  coming  again,  44. 

(10)  His  victory,  44. 

(11)  His  enemies:  They  gathered  to- 
gether to  confuse  and  entangle  Him, 
23-24,  34,  35,  41 ;  He  turned  the  tables 
upon  them,  in  turn  questioning  His 
questioners,  41-46;  He  used  the  Scrip- 
tures to  convince,  confuse,  instruct 
and  silence  them,  43,  44;  put  the 
whole  company  to  rout  and  confusion 
by  a  single  question,  41-46;  perman- 
ently silences  them,  46;  Christ  was 
glorified  in  the  confusion  of  those 
who  would  not  glorify  Him  by  their 
conversion,  46;  they  shall  be  com- 
pletely subjugated  underneath  His 
feet,  44. 


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The  Holy  Spirit. 

Inspired  David  in  writing  the  Psalms, 

43-  44. 

The  Scriptures. 

Final  authority  in  settling  all  questions, 
31,  32,  36-39,  43-45;  ignorance  of  the 
Scriptures  a  source  of  error,  29;  ac- 
cepted and  used  by  Jesus  Christ  as 
the  Word  of  God  and  final  source  of 
authority,  29-32,  36-39,  43-45;  its  in- 
spiration, 43;  compare  2  Sam.  23:2; 
Mark  12:36;  Acts  1:16;  Heb.  37;  i 
Peter  2 :22 ;  verbal  accuracy ;  an  ar- 
gument can  be  legitimately  built  upon 
the  use  of  a  single  word,  43,  44; 
power  to  silence  enemies  of  Christ, 
44-46. 

The  resurrection  of  the  body. 

Its  certainty,  20-32. 

Its  glory: 
(l)     In    the    resurrection    neither    marry 

nor  given  in  marriage,  3c. 


(2)     Are  as  the  angels  in  heaven,  30. 
Tzvo  leading  commandments. 

The  first  great  commandment,  "Thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord,  thy  God  with 
all  thy  heart,  with  all  thy  soul,  with 
all  thy  mind,"  37,  38;  second  com- 
mandment, "Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself,"  38;  the  two 
commandments  the  sum  of  the  law 
and  the  prophets,  40. 

David. 

Author  of  iioth  Psalm,  43,  44;  a  pro- 
phet, 43-45;  spoke  by  inspiration,  43; 
ancestor  of  the  Christ,  42 ;  called 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord,  44;  foresaw 
the  Christ,  43,  44;  foresaw  the  future 
glory  of  the  coming  Christ,  44;  the 
complete  subjugation  of  all  Christ's 
enemies,  44. 

The  great  question. 

What  think  ye  of  Christ? 


LESSON  111. 
Christ  Exposing  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees.     Matthew  23:1-36, 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

I.  JVarning  against  seeking  the  praise  of 
men,  vv.  1-12. 

To  whom  were  the  words  of  the  lesson 
spoken?  Why  not  spoken  to  the  Pharisees 
themselves?  Why  spoken  to  the  multi- 
tudes? To  His  disciples?  (i  Tim.  5:20.) 
Why  was  it  necessary  to  warn  even  His 
disciples  against  Pharisaic  sins?  Is  warn- 
ing against  them  needed  even  by  the  dis- 
ciples of  Christ  today?  What  other  class 
of  offenders  were  rebuked  so  sternly  by 
Christ  as  the  Pharisees?  Between  what 
two  things  in  the  Pharisees  did  Jesus  dis- 
tinguish (v.  3)  ?  What  did  Jesus  bid  His 
disciples  do?  If  good  laws  are  promulgated 
by  bad  law  makers  what  is  our  duty  in  the 
matter?     If  truth  is  preached  by  ministers 


of  the  Gospel  who  do  not  practice  it,  what  is 
our  duty  in  the  matter?  Was  the  bread  and 
meat  that  was  brought  to  Elijah  at  Cherith 
any  less  from  God  or  to  be  despised  because 
the  ravens  brought  it?     (i  Kings  17:4.) 

What  is  the  limitation  to  obedience  to  the 
decrees  of  bad  officials?  (Acts  5  :29.)  Were 
the  scribes  and  Pharisees  under  any  less  ob- 
ligation to  keep  their  own  laws  than  others? 
Is  one  who  preaches  the  truth  under  any 
less  obligation  to  keep  it  than  those  to  whom 
he  preaches  ?  Will  good  preaching  make  up 
for  bad  practice?  Can  we  escape  condem- 
nation for  our  own  sins  by  condemning  the 
same  sins  in  others?  (Ro.  2:1-5.)  What 
did  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  require  of 
others  (v.  4)  ?  What  did  they  themselves 
do  with  these  requirements  ?    Are  there  any 


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251 


like  them  today?  What  was  their  object  in 
requiring  such  great  things  of  others  ?  For 
what  purpose  did  they  do  what  they  did 
do?  Are  there  any  today  who  do  their 
works  to  be  seen  of  men?  What  is  the 
rcsuh  of  such  doings?  (c.  6:i.)  How  did 
men  regard  the  Pharisees?  How  did  God 
regard  them?  (Luke  16:15.)  Is  it  so  to- 
day with  those  who  do  their  works  to  be 
seen  of  men?  What  were  some  of  the 
things  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  did  to  be 
seen  of  men?  (Compare  Deut.  6:8;  Num. 
15:38,  39-) 

Do  men  nowadays  ever  make  a  great  parade 
of  the  Scriptures  and  their  loyalty  to  them 
before  men?  Ought  we  then  to  go  to  the 
opposite  extreme  and  be  ashamed  to  be 
seen  carrying  a  Bible  or  reading  one? 
What  did  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  seek  for 
themselves  (vv.  6,  7)  ?  Are  there  any  to- 
day who  seek  for  themselves  conspicuous 
places  and  titles?  Is  it  Christian  to  do 
so?  (v.  8;  Luke  14:7-11;  Ro.  12:10;  3 
John  9.)  What  is  the  modern  equivalent  of 
"rabbi"?  What  are  the  two  great  reasons 
why  we  should  not  take  that  title  to  our- 
selves (v.  8)  ?  Who  is  the  only  one  to 
whose  authority  in  the  matters  of  faith  and 
doctrine  the  Christian  should  bow?  (vv.  8, 
10;  compare  c.  17:4,  S;  Job  32:21,  22.)  If 
one  is  really  great  how  should  he  show  it 
(v.  II)?  Who  has  set  us  the  example  in 
this?  (Matt.  20:28;  John  13:14,  15;  Phil. 
2:5-8.)  What  kind  of  greatness  is  that 
which  shows  itself  in  lording  it  over  others? 
(Matt.  20:25.)  What  will  be  done  to  those 
who  refuse  to  listen  to  this  teaching  of 
Christ  and  exalt  themselves?  What  will 
be  done  to  those  who  humble  themselves? 
(Compare  Is.  57:15;  Luke  18:14;  i  Peter 
5:5.) 

2.  Outzvardly  fair,  inzvardly  foul,  vv. 
13-36. 

With  what  word  does  v.  13  begin?     Why 


did  Christ  use  this  word  "woe"  ?  How 
many  "woes"  did  He  pronounce  against 
them  in  all?  To  what  other  eight  of  this 
Gospel  may  we  set  these  eight  words  in 
contrast?  (Matt.  5:3-ro.)  What  did  He 
call  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  in  v.  13? 
What  does  "hypocrite"  mean?  What  did 
He  accuse  them  of  doing  (v.  13)  ?  Was 
that  a  serious  offense?  Are  there  any  who 
are  guilty  of  it  today?  How  can  it  be 
done?  (Acts  8:1;  John  7:46-52;  i  Thess. 
2:15-16;  Luke  11:52;  2  Peter  2:2;  Ro. 
2:24.)  How  great  is  the  guilt  of  those  who 
shut  up  the  kingdom  of  heaven  against 
men?  For  what  reason  did  Jesus  pronounce 
the  second  woe  upon  the  scribes  and  Phari- 
sees? (v.  14;  see  R.  V.  but  compare  Mark 
12:40;  Luke  20:47.)  Are  there  any  today 
who  make  a  great  pretense  of  piety  while 
robbing  the  widow  and  oppressing  the  poor 
and  outwitting  the  unwary  in  real  estate 
deals  and  other  ways?  What  shall  such 
receive?  Was  the  fault  with  these  men 
that  they  made  long  prayers?  (Luke  6:12.) 
For  what  reason  did  Jesus  pronounce  the 
third  woe  upon  them? 

Is  it  a  good  thing  to  be  diligent  in  making 
proselytes?  (Gal.  4:18.)  Did  it  do  any 
one  any  good  to  be  made  a  proselyte  by  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees?  What  did  Jesus  call 
them  and  their  proselytes?  Is  not  that 
rather  strong  language?  (Compare  John 
8:44;  Acts  13:10;  Eph.  2 ■.2-)  For  what 
did  Jesus  pronounce  the  fourth  woe  upon 
these  scribes  and  Pharisees?  Are  there 
any  today  who  are  guilty  of  such  blind  and 
foolish  hair-splitting?  What  did  Jesus  call 
these  casuists  (vv.  16,  17,  19)  ?  Why  was 
it  they  considered  the  gold  of  the  temple 
more  sacred  than  the  temple,  and  the  gift 
on  the  altar  more  sacred  than  the  altar? 
Are  there  any  today  who  are  more  con- 
cerned about  the  gold  collected  in  the 
house  of  God  than  the  honor  of  that  house 


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itself,  and  the  gifts  "laid  upon  the  altar" 
than  the  honor  of  that  altar?  For  what 
reason  did  Jesus  pronounce  the  fifth  woe 
upon  the  scribes  and  Pharisees?  Are  there 
any  today  who  are  very  punctilious  in  the 
Httle  niceties  of  piety  and  omit  the  weight- 
ier matters?  Was  there  anything  in  the 
Scriptures  which  the  scribes  and  Pharisees 
themselves  acknowledged  to  tell  them  that 
these  were  the  weightier  matters?  (Hosea 
6:6;  Micah  6:8;  Prov.  2:1,  3.)  Who  for 
example?  What  did  Jesus  say  were  "the 
weightier  matters"?  What  is  meant  by 
"judgment"?  (Pi-ov.  21:3;  Jer.  22:15,  16.) 
Do  all  professed  Christians  seem  to  regard 
these  as  the  weightier  matters?  Did  Jesus 
say  they  should  omit  the  minor  matters? 
To  what  did  Jesus  compare  this  scrupulous 
care  about  little  things  and  indifference  to 
weightier  matters?  (v.  24,  R.  V.;  Matt. 
27:6-8;    John  18:28-40.) 

For  what  reason  did  Jesus  pronounce  the 
sixth  woe  upon  the  scribes  and  Pharisees? 
How  was  "the  inside  of  the  cup  and  the 
platter"  to  be  cleansed?  Are  there  any 
pious  platters  today  that  are  full  of  extor- 
tion and  excess?  For  what  reason  did 
Jesus  pronounce  the  seventh  woe  upon  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees?  Are  all  hypocrites 
conscious  hypocrites?  (Jer.  17:9,  10;  i 
Cor.  4:5;  Heb.  4:13.)  Is  a  hypocrite  ever 
a  zealous  worker  (v.  15)  ?  What  is  a  hj-po- 
crite's  doom?  (Matt.  24:50,  51.)  To  what 
did  Jesus  compare  the  scribes  and  Phari- 
sees? Why  were  sepulchres  white- washed? 
(Num.  19:16.)  What  is  the  point  of  the 
comparison?  Are  there  any  today  who  ap- 
pear fair  without  but  are  full  of  corrup- 
tion and  worms  within?  Are  there  any 
worms  and  rottenness  beneath  your  fair 
exterior?  Where  should  one  seek  first  for 
the  hypocrite?  (Matt.  7:1;  John  8:7.) 
To  whom  was  it  the  Pharisees  appeared 
(Luke  16:15.) 


For  what  reason  did  Jesus  pronounce  the 
eighth  woe  upon  the  scribes  and  Pharisees? 
Was  there  anything  wrong  in  building  the 
tombs  of  the  prophets?  What  is  the  point 
then  of  Christ's  condemnation?  (Ro. 
2:1.)  Which  is  better,  to  build  the  tombs 
of  dead  propliets  or  listen  to  the  words  of 
living  prophets?  Which  is  easier?  Which 
are  men  in  all  ages  more  prone  to  do? 
What  was  their  judgment  of  their  own 
goodness  as  compared  with  that  of  their 
fathers  ?  How  did  they  prove  that  this  pro- 
fession was  false  and  that  if  they  had  lived 
in  their  day  they  would  have  treated  the 
prophets  of  those  days  just  as  their  fathers 
did?  Do  men  nowadays  ever  flatter  them- 
selves that  if  they  had  lived  in  former 
days  they  would  have  done  much  better 
than  the  men  of  those  days  did  ?  How  do 
they  disprove  their  own  claim?  Which  is 
better  to  exult  over,  not  repeating  the  sins 
of  our  ancestors  or  to  search  out  and  put 
away  our  own  sins?  What  did  Jesus  tell 
them  to  do  (v.  32)  ?  Did  He  mean  that  He 
really  desired  tliem  to  do  that?  (v.  Z7  \ 
compare  Eccle.  11  :9.)  What  did  Jesus 
finally  call  the  scribes  and  Pharisees? 
What  is  meant  by  these  startling  titles? 
(Ps.  58:4;  Gen.  3:1;  Rev.  12:9.)  Was  this 
Christ's  customary  manner  of  speech?  Is 
it  always  wise  to  speak  to  men  in  this  way? 
Is  it  ever  wise? 

What  feeling  had  Christ  in  His  heart 
toward  the  Jews  when  He  used  these  ter- 
rific words?  (v.  37.)  Is  there  any  lesson 
in  that  for  us?  What  question  did  Jesus 
put  to  them?  What  similar  question  is 
put  to  all  who  neglect  salvation?  (Heb. 
2:3.)  What  is  God's  answer  to  that  ques- 
tion? (Heb.  12:25.)  Were  those  men  to  be 
given  up  of  God  at  once  (v.  34)  ?  How 
would  they  deal  with  these  ambassadors 
whom  God  in  long-suffering  mercy  contin- 
ued to  send?    Was  this  prediction  fulfilled? 


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253 


(Acts  7:59;  12:2;  14:19-22;  22:19,  20;  2 
Cor.  11:24,  25;  John  16:2.)  What  would 
be  the  outcome  of  this  treatment  of  God's 
ambassadors?  Was  it  just  that  the  sins  of 
their  fathers  as  well  as  their  own  should  be 
visited  upon  them?  When  was  v.  35  his- 
torically fulfilled?  Have  we  any  historic  in- 
stance outside  of  the  Bible  in  which  God 
has  allowed  the  sins  of  a  nation  to  ripen 
and  visited  them  when  fully  ripe  upon  a 
single  generation?  Are  there  any  judg- 
ments ripening  now?  How  can  any  gen- 
eration avoid  having  the  consequences  of 
the  sins  of  their  fathers  fall  on  them? 
(John  1:2  and  3:7-10.)  Was  God's  pri- 
mary purpose  in  sending  the  prophets  one 
of  mercy  or  wrath?  (Compare  2  Chron. 
36:15.)  Why  then  did  it  culminate  in 
wrath?  (2  Chron.  36:16.)  In  what  does 
God's  mercy  always  end,  if  it  is  despised? 
(Ro.  2:4,  5-) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 

His  divinity,  34;  compassion.  34;  hatred 
of  shams,  13-36;  fearlessness,  1-36; 
severity,  13-36. 

2.  Christ's  disciples. 
(i)     Their  equality: 

"All  ye  are  brethren,"  8. 

(2)  Their  peril : 
Pharisaism,  1-36. 

(3)  Their  privileges: 

A  divine  Teacher,  8;  a  divine  Master, 
10;  a  divine  Father,  9;  exaltation,  12. 

(4)  Their  duties : 

To  avoid  errors  of  the  scribes  and 
Pharisees,  3  ;  not  to  forget  the  greater 
matters  of  the  law  while  observing 
the  minor  matters,  23 ;  to  accept  the 
authority  of  no  man,  10;  to  avoid 
titles  of  honor,  8;  to  humble  them- 
selves, 12;  to  be  servants  of  others, 
II. 


J.     The  Pharisees. 

( 1 )  What  they  were  : 

Hypocrites,  14,  15,  23,  25,  27,  29;  fools 
and  blind,  17,  ig;  blind  guides,  16; 
serpents,  33;  offspring  of  vipers,  33; 
sons  of  those  who  slew  the  prophets, 
both  naturally  and  spiritually,  30,  31, 
34;  sons  of  hell,  15  R.  V. ;  like  whited 
sepulchres,  fair  without,  rotten  with- 
in, 27,  28 ;  righteous  in  outward  seem- 
ing, 28;  full  of  hypocrisy  and 
iniquity,  28. 

(2)  What  they  did: 

Sat  in  Moses'  seat — a  place  of  honor,  a 
place  of  authorit\%  2;  taught  with 
great  authority  what  others  should 
do,  but  did  not  themselves,  3 ;  made 
heavy  demands  of  others,  but  did 
not  meet  the  slightest  of  these  de- 
mands themselves,  4 ;  did  their  works 
to  be  seen  of  men,  5 ;  made  a  great 
parade  of  their  devotion  to  the  Word 
of  God,  5 ;  sought  for  themselves 
places  and  titles  of  honor,  6,  7;  shut 
up  the  Kingdom  of  God  against  men, 
13 ;  entered  not  into  the  Kingdom 
themselves,  13  ;  would  not  suffer  them 
that  were  entering  to  go  in,  13 ;  de- 
voured widows'  houses,  14;  for  a 
pretense  made  long  prayers,  14; 
compassed  sea  and  land  to  make  one 
proselyte,  15;  made  them  proselytes 
two-fold  more  the  sons  of  hell  than 
themselves,  15 ;  thought  more  of  the 
gold  of  the  temple  than  the  temple 
itself,  16;  thought  more  of  the  gift 
upon  the  altar  than  the  altar  itself, 
18;  made  hair-splitting  and  irration- 
al discriminations,  16-22;  tithed  mint 
and  anise  and  cummin  and  omitted 
the  weightier  matters  of  the  law, 
judgment,  and  mercy  and  faith,  23; 
strained     at     gnats     and     swallowed 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


camels,  24  R.  V. ;  very  scrupulous 
about  the  outward  cleanness  of  the 
cup  and  the  platter  from  ceremonial 
defilement,  but  careless  about  its 
moral  defilement  by  extortion  and  ex- 
cess, 25 ;  built  the  tombs  of  dead 
prophets  and  killed  the  living  proph- 
ets, 29-34;  boasted  themselves  better 
than  their  ancestors  while  doing  the 


same  things,  30-34;  persecuted, 
scourged  and  crucified  the  orophets, 
35 ;  filled  up  the  measure  of  their 
fathers'  sins,  32. 
(3)  What  they  got: 
Greater  condemnation  than  if  they 
made  no  pretenses,  14;  the  accumu- 
lated wrath  of  many  generations,  35; 
the  damnation  of  hell,  23- 


LESSON  112. 
The  Gentiles  Seeking  Jesus  and  the  Jews  Rejecting  Jesus.    John  12:20-50. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.     The  Gentiles  seeking  Jesus,  vv.  20-36. 

With  what  request  did  certain  Greeks 
come  to  Philip?  Was  that  a  laudable  de- 
sire? How  much  depends  on  truly  seeing 
Him?  (John  6:40;  3:14,  15;  20:20;  2  Cor, 
3:18.)  How  can  we  see  the  Lord?  (John 
5:39;  16:14;  I  Cor.  11:26.)  Do  all  men 
wish  to  see  Jesus?  Why  not?  (John 
3:19.)  Why  did  the  Greeks  come  to 
Philip?  What  did  this  request  suggest  to 
Jesus?  How  was  the  Son  of  man  to  be 
glorified?  (v.  24;  John  17:10;  13:31-32; 
17:5.)  Was  there  any  manifestation  of 
Christ's  glory  in  the  cross  itself?  (i  John 
4:7;  4:9;  3:16;  John  1:14.)  What  did 
Jesus  see  to  be  the  only  road  to  glory? 
Was  that  true  of  Him  only,  or  for  us  also? 
If  we  wish  to  bear  fruit  what  must  we  do? 
If  we  die  what  will  be  the  result?  Suppose 
one  is  not  willing  to  die  that  he  may  bear 
fruit?  In  what  sense  will  he  lose  it? 
What  if  one  sacrifices  his  life  for  Christ? 
(John  12:25.)  What  does  "hate"  here 
mean?     (Gen.   29:30,  31.) 

Who  did  Jesus  say  must  tread  the  path 
of  sacrifice  and  death  besides  Himself?  If 
we  would    serve   Christ,   then  where  must 


we  be  ready  to  go?  (Matt.  16:24.) 
Where  did  He  go?  (Luke  22:39-44; 
23:33.)  Does  it  pay,  then,  to  serve  Christ? 
If  we  follow  Him  to  Gethsemane  and  Cal- 
vary now,  where  shall  we  follow  Him 
hereafter?  (John  17:24;  2  Tim.  2:12;  Rev. 
3:21.)  Is  it  worth  living  for  and  dying  for, 
to  be  with  Him?  (2  Cor.  5:8;  Phil,  i  :23.) 
Will  any  one  who  serves  and  follows  Jesus 
have  any  other  reward  than  being  with 
Jesus?  How  will  the  Father  honor  him? 
(John  14:21-23;  17:22,  23.)  Up  to  this 
point  what  view  of  His  death  was  it  that 
had  occupied  the  mind  of  Jesus?  What 
view  of  it  for  a  moment  now  took  posses- 
sion of  His  mind?  What  was  the  efifect  of 
that  view?  Did  Jesus  recoil  from  the 
cross?  How  much  did  Jesus'  soul  dread  the 
cross  and  all  that  went  with  it?  (Matt. 
27:38;  Luke  22:44.)  Did  the  recoil  of 
Jesus'  soul  from  the  horror  of  the  cross 
cause  Him  to  waver  for  one  moment  from 
His  purpose  to  endure  the  cross?  When, 
out  of  the  horror,  came  the  suggestion  to 
ask  the  Father  to  spare  Him  that  hour, 
what  was  the  sturdy  response  of  Jesus' 
spirit?  What  was  Jesus'  prayer?  What 
did  the  Father's  glorifying  His  name  in- 
volve for  Jesus?     Was  that  prayer  heard? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


255 


On  each  of  the  three  recorded  occasions  on 
which  God  spoke  audibly,  in  connection 
with  what  feature  of  Christ's  ministry  was 
it?  (Humiliation,  Matt.  3:i3-i7;  decease, 
Luke  9:31 ;  death,  John  12:27,  28.) 

What    did    God    say    on  •  this    occasion? 
How  had  He  already  glorified  it?      (John 
II  :4-4o;  i  :i4.)     How  was  He  yet  to  glorify 
it?      (13:37.)      For    whose    sake    was    this 
voice?    Why  was  it  not  for  Jesus  Himself? 
Did   the  people  all   understand   the  voice? 
Was   the   trouble    with   the   voice?     Does 
every  man  hear   the  voice   of  God   in  the 
utterances     in     the     Bible?       Who     does? 
(John  8:47.)     When  God  speaks  what  does 
it  test?     Is  it  God's  voice  or  our  ears  that 
are  on  trial?     How  could  a  voice  be  sent 
for  the  benefit  of  those  who  do  not  under- 
stand it  (v.  31)?    What  does  Jesus  see  as 
the  result  of  His  death?    Why  does  He  say 
"now"?     How  was  His  death  the  judgment 
of  the  world  and  casting  out  of  its  Prince? 
(i  John  3:8;  Heb.  2:14;  Col.  2:15.)     What 
does    the    "lifting    up"    mean?      (Compare 
John  3:14.)     Why  is  the  crucifixion  called 
a  lifting  up?    What  did  Jesus  say  would  be 
the  result?     What  is  the  mightiest  magnet 
in  the  world?     Are  all  men  drawn?     Do 
all  men. come?     What  difficulty  did  Jesus' 
words  about  lifting  up  suggest  to  the  minds 
of  His   hearers?     Were  they  not  right  in 
their  interpretation  of  the  Old  Testament? 
(2  Sam.  7:13;  Ps.  110:4;  Is.  97;  Dan.  7:14, 
27.)     What  alone  could  explain  this  seem- 
ingly inexplicable  contradiction  ?    What  will 
explain  all  the  seemingly  inexplicable  con- 
tradictions   of    prophecy?      What    was    the 
real  difficulty  they  had  in  the  matter?     (i 
Cor.  1 :23.)      Did  Jesus  unravel  their  diffi- 
culty for  them?    What  did  He  tell  them  to 
do? 

Which  is  better,  bothering  our  heads  with 
critical  problems  we  cannot  solve  and  try- 


ing thus  to  display  our  critical  acumen  or  to 
let  the  light  shine  into  us  and  allow  time 
and  events  to  solve  the  riddles?  How  long 
did  Jesus  tell  them  they  were  to  have  the 
light?  How  long  did  they  have  it  (v.  36)  ? 
How  long  will  we  have  it?  What  did  Jesus 
say  would  be  the  result  if  they  did  not  im- 
prove the  light  while  they  had  it?  (See 
R.  V.)  Did  the  darkness  overtake  this 
people?  What  would  be  the  result  of  be- 
lieving in  the  light?  When  must  they  be- 
lieve? Having  uttered  these  words,  what 
did  Jesus  do?  Why?  Did  He  ever  come 
back  to  them?  If  we  will  not  heed  His 
warnings  and  promises,  what  will  He  do? 

2.    The  Jews  rejecting  Jesus,  vv.  37-50. 

What  reason  had  these  people  for  be- 
lieving? (37;  compare  14:7.)  Why  did 
they  beheve?  (John  5:44;  3:18-20;  7:i7-) 
Are  we  to  understand  from  vv.  38  to  40 
that  the  prophecies  of  Isaiah  made  it  im- 
possible to  believe  even  though  they  wished 
to,  or  that  God  foresaw  and  foretold  in 
these  prophecies  the  wilful  blinding  of 
their  minds,  and  so  it  could  not  be  that 
they  would  believe  because  God  who  never 
makes  mistakes  had  foretold  that  they 
would  not?  Had  they  any  excuse  for  their 
blindness  and  unbelief?  (John  15:22,  24.) 
Did  Jesus  wish  them  to  believe?  (Matt. 
23:37.)  Whose  fault  then  was  their  un- 
belief and  consequent  ruin?  (John  5:40.) 
How  long  before  had  this  blindness  and 
hardening  of  their  hearts  been  predicted? 
In  what  way  did  their  very  unbelief  glorify 
God?  (Compare  13:27-29.)  Is  the  world 
in  general  much  more  ready  to  believe 
God's  word  than  these  Jews  were?  By 
what  name  is  Christ  designated  in  v.  38? 
What  is  the  meaning  of  that  name?  (i 
Cor.  1:24.)  Is  He  universally  recognized 
as  the  power  of  God?  -  By  whom  is  He  so 


256 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


recognized?  (i  Cor.  1:24,  18.)  How  is 
He  revealed  to  those  who  recognize  Him  as 
the  power  of  God?  (Matt.  16:17;  2  Cor. 
4:6;  Eph.  1:17-19.)  By  whom  is  He  not 
recognized?  (2  Cor.  4:3.)  Why  is  He 
not  recognized?     (2  Cor.  4:4.) 

Are  those  whom  "the  God  of  this  world" 
blinds  at  all  responsible  themselves?  (John 
3:19;  2  Thess.  2:10,  II.)  Are  we  to  under- 
stand from  V.  40  that  God  blinds  the 
eyes  of  those  who  would  see  and  hardens 
the  hearts  of  those  who  would  believe  and 
obey?  (2  Peter  3:9;  I  Tim.  2:3,4.)  Whom 
is  it  then  that  God  blinds  and  hardens? 
(2  Thess.  2:10,  II.)  If  men  wish  truth 
what  does  God  give  them?  (John  'jwi-') 
If  men  wish  falsehood  what  does  God  let 
them  have  to  the  full?  What  will  be  the 
final  consequence  of  the  choice  of  error? 
(2  Thess.  2:  12.)  Are  there  any  today  who 
wish  to  believe  error?  What  is  the  result 
of  seeing  the  truth  with  the  eyes  and  per- 
ceiving it  with  the  heart  (v.  40)  ?  Which 
is  better,  then,  to  try  to  see  the  truth  or  to 
try  not  to  see  it?  What  is  all  the  Lord 
asks  as  a  condition  of  healing  us?  (Hos. 
14:1,  2,  4;  Jer.  3:12,  13,  22.)  Whose  glory 
are  we  told  in  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah  the 
prophet  had  just  seen  when  he  uttered  these 
words?  (Is.  6:1-5,  9,  10.)  Whose  glory 
are  we  told  by  John  that  he  had  seen  when 
he  uttered  these  words  (v.  41)?  What  is 
•  the  necessary  inference?  Were  there  none 
of  the  rulers  who  believed  on  Jesus?  Why 
did  they  not  come  out  openly  then  and  con- 
fess Him?  Are  there  any  like  them  today? 
Were  they  saved?  (Matt.  10:30,  Z}>\  Ro- 
10:10;  Mark  8:38.)  Was  it  a  wise  choice 
they  made  in  concealing  their  faith  in  order 
to  retain  the  praise  of  men?  (Mark  8:36.) 
What  did  they  fear  would  be  the  result  of 
an  open  confession  of  Christ?  Had  they 
any  ground  for  that  fear?     (c.  9:22,  34.) 


Would  it  be  any  real  loss  to  be  persecuted 
for  Christ's  sake?  (Luke  6:22;  i  Peter 
4:12-16;  Acts  5:41.)  What  lay  at  the  bot- 
tom of  their  refusal  to  confess  Christ  lest 
they  be  cast  out  of  the  synagogue?  Are 
there  any  today  who  love  the  praise  of  men 
more  than  the  praise  of  God?  Are  they 
wise?  If  one  believes  on  Jesus  on  whom 
does  he  really  belive?  Who  sent  Jesus? 
Why  is  believing  on  Jesus  a  proof  of  really 
believing  on  Him  whom  He  hath  sent? 
(John  14:9.)  If  we  really  gaze  at  Jesus 
whom  do  we  see?  (v.  45;  compare  John 
14:9.)  As  what  had  Jesus  come  into  the 
world?  (v.  46;  compare  c.  8:12.)  How 
can  any  one  come  out  of  darkness  into 
light  (46)  ?  If  we  reject  the  word  of  Jesus, 
what  will  that  word  do?  When  will  the 
rejected  word  of  Jesus  judge  us?  Where 
did  Jesus  get  His  teaching?  Whose  words 
are  the  words  of  Jesus?  (v.  49;  compare 
c.  14:10,  24.)  What  is  God's  command- 
ment (v.  so)  ?  What  is  meant  by  saying 
that  His  commandment  is  eternal  life? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

J.     God,  the  Father: 

His  dwelling  place,  heaven,  28;  an- 
swered prayer,  28 ;  spoke  from 
heaven,  28;  spoke  for  the  benefit  of 
man,  30;  blinded  the  eyes  and  hard- 
ened the  hearts  of  those  men  who 
would  not  see  nor  believe  so  that 
they  could  not  see  nor  believe,  nor 
turn  nor  be  healed,  40,  compare  2 
Thess.  2:10-12;  heals  those  who 
hear  and  turn,  40;  honors  those  who 
serve  Jesus  Christ,  26 ;  sent  Jesus 
Christ,  44,  49;  spoke  through  Jesus 
Christ,  49,  50;  His  commandment, 
life  eternal,  50. 


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257 


2.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     Nature: 
Divine:     He  that  hath  seen  Him  hath 

seen  the  Father,  45- 
Divine  words  spoken  of  Jehovah  in 
the  Old  Testament  are  applied  to 
Jesus  in  the  New  Testament,  i.  e., 
Jesus  Christ  occupies  the  same  place 
in  New  Testament  thought  as  Je- 
hovah in  Old  Testament  thought,  40, 
41;  compare  Is.  6:1-3,  9.  lO- 
Human— Son  of  Man,  23,  34. 

(2)  What    He    is: 

"The  Desire  of  all  nations,"  21;  "The 
light  of  the  world,"  35.  46 ;  those  who 
refuse  to  walk  in  that  light  will  be 
overtaken  by  darkness,  35  R-  V.; 
through  belief  in  Him  the  Light,  we 
become  sons  of  light,  35 ;  the  Arm  of 
the  Lord,  38,  compare  i  Cor.  1:24; 
subordinate  to  the  Father,  44,  49, 
50;  sent  by  the  Father,  44,  49,  50 ; 
those  who  rejected  Him  will  be 
judged  by  His  word  in  the  last  day, 
47,   48. 

(3)  His   word: 

The  very  word  of  God,  49,  50. 

(4)  How  He  was  received  by  men: 
He    did   many   signs   before   men,    yet 

they  beHeved  not  on  Him,  37;  they 
rejected  God's  testimony  concerning 
Him,  38;  they  failed  to  recognize 
Him  as  "the  Arm  of  the  Lord,"  38. 

(5)  His   death: 

The  necessity  of  it— "The  Son  of  man 
must  be  lifted  up,"  341  the  manner 
of  it— crucifixion,  32,  33;  the  glory 
of  it,  23,  24;  the  agony  and  horror 
of  it,  27. 

The  results  were  much  fruit,  24;  the 
world  judged,  31 ;  the  prince  of  this 


world  cast  out,  31 ;  all  men  drawn 
to  Him,  32,  33; 
His  own  attitude  toward  it:  Shrank 
from  it  in  heart-breaking  horror,  27 ; 
compare  Matt.  26:58;  Luke  22:44; 
marched  unflinchingly  toward  it, 
27,  28. 

(6)  His   love  to  the  Father: 
Desired   His   glory    alone   though    that 

involved  the  shame  and  agony  of  the 
cross  for  Himself,  38. 

(7)  His  prayer: 

Not  "Father,  save  me  from  this  hour," 
27;  but  "Father,  glorify  Thy  name," 
28;  heard  and  answered,  28. 

(8)  His  eternity: 
Abideth  forever,  34. 

(9)  His    treatment    of    those    who    re- 
jected  Him: 

"Departed,     and     hid     Himself     from 

them,"   36. 
The     Greeks     said,     "We     would     see 

Jesus";  would  you  see  Him?,  21. 

3.  Serving  Christ. 

The  condition: 

"Follow  Me,"  26;  hate  your  life,  25. 

The  reward: 

Become  sons  of  light,  36;  life  eternal, 

25;    be   where    Christ   is,    26;    honor 

from  the  Father,  26. 

4.  The  Jeivish  multitude. 
(i)     Their   privileges: 

A  voice  from  heaven  spoke  in  their 
ears  for  their  sakes,  28,  30;  saw  the 
signs  which  Christ  wrought,  2>7; 
heard  the  words  of  Christ,  35,  36. 
(2)  Their  folly: 
Closed  their  eyes  to  the  revelation  of 
God's  power  in  Christ,  38;  believed 
not,  37;   stumbled  at  the  cross,  34; 


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puzzled  at  the  Scripture  they  could 
not  understand  instead   of  believing 
the  word  the)'^  could,  34. 
(3)     Their  punishment: 
Jesus .  departed  and  hid  Himself  from 


them,  36;  darkness  overtook  them, 
35  R.  v.;  their  eyes  blinded,  40; 
their  hearts  hardened,  40;  they  ful- 
filled the  prophecies  of  God  in  re- 
jecting His  Son,  38-40. 


LESSON  113. 

Jesus'  Prophecies  Concerning  the  Destruction  of  Jerusalem, 
compare  Matt.  24:1-28;  Mark  13:1-23. 


Luke  21:5-24; 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.    Perils  to  come,  vv.  5-11. 

When  were  the  opening  words  of  this 
lesson  spoken?  (Mark  13:1.)  As  the 
disciples  looked  upon  the  temple,  of  what 
did  they  think  (v.  5)  ?  As  Jesus  looked 
upon  it  of  what  did  He  think  (v.  6)  ?  As 
men  look  upon  the  magnificent  structures 
of  the  present  day  of  what  do  they  think? 
If  they  had  more  of  the  mind  of  Christ 
of  what  might  they  think?  Why  was  this 
temple  to  be  completely  destroyed?  (Com- 
pare I  Kings  97-9;  Jer.  7:11-14.)  Was 
this  the  first  prediction  of  its  destruction? 
(Dan.  9:26,  27.)  Were  the  Jews  willing 
to  listen  to  predictions  like  this?  (Acts 
6:12-14.)  Are  people  today  willing  to  listen 
to  predictions  of  the  overthrow  of  the 
magnificent  structures  and  systems  they  are 
rearing?  Is  that  any  reason  for  not  de- 
claring what  God  says?  Were  the  seventh 
and  following  verses  spoken  at  the  same 
time  as  the  fifth  and  sixth?  (Matt.  24:3; 
Mark  13:3,  4-)  To  what  questions  did 
the  words  that  Jesus  spoke  as  they  left 
the  temple  prompt  the  disciples  when  they 
reached  the  Mount  of  Ohves?  Did  they 
ask  any  further  questions  than  those  which 
Luke  records?  (Matt.  24:3.)  What  two 
events  were  evidently  indissolubly  con- 
nected in  the  minds  of  the  disciples?  Is 
there  any  intimate  connection  between  the 
two  events?     Do  the  verses  of  our  lesson 


relate  to  both  events  or  simply  to  the  fall 
of  Jerusalem?  Where  does  the  answer  to 
the  other  question,  about  Christ's  coming 
and  the  end  of  the  age,  begin?  (See  v.  25; 
Matt.  24:23-29;   Mark  13:21-23,  24.) 

What  did  Jesus  tell  them  would  be  the 
sign  of  the  overthrow  of  Jerusalem  (v. 
20)  ?  Of  what  coming  peril  connected 
with  these  events  did  Jesus  warn  His  dis- 
ciples (v.  8)  ?  Would  the  peril  from  this 
cause  be  great?  (Matt.  24:11,  24.)  Is 
there  any  peril  of  this  kind  today?  (i  John 
4:1;  I  Tim.  4:1;  2  Tim.  3:1,  13.)  How 
will  these  false  teachers  sometimes  ap- 
pear? (2  Cor.  11:13-15.  )  What  must  the 
disciples  of  Christ  do  if  they  are  to  escape 
their  wiles?  (v.  8;  2  Tim.  3:13-15.)  Who 
are  they  who  do  fall  a  prey  to  these  de- 
ceivers? (2  Thess.  2:10,  II.)  What  is 
the  final  outcome  of  being  thus  led  astray? 
(2  Thess.  2:12.)  Have  these  prophecies 
of  false  Christs  been  fulfilled  to  any  ex- 
tent? What  other  coming  perils  did  Jesus 
predict  (v.  9)  ?  With  what  state  of  mind 
should  the  disciples  of  Jesus  regard  these 
wars  and  tumults?  When  ought  one  who 
trusts  God  to  be  terrified?  (Ps.  27:1-3; 
47:1,  2;  Prov.  3:25,  26;  Is.  51:12,  13.) 
What  will  keep  such  an  one  from  being 
terrified?  (Ps.  112:7.)  How  great  were 
to  be  the  disturbances  preceding  the  fall 
of  Jerusalem?  Were  these  predictions  ful- 
filled?    Are  such  disturbances  in  nature  or 


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259 


among  men  ever  to  be  expected  again? 
(vv.  25-27;  Heb.  12:26,  27.)  Should  we 
dread  that  day? 

2.    Persecutions  to  come,  vv.  12-ig. 

What  did  Jesus  forewarn  His  disciples 
that  they  had  to  expect  before  these  com- 
motions took  place?  Had  He  ever  fore- 
warned His  disciples  of  this  before?  Must 
the  faithful  disciples  of  Christ  in  the 
present  day  expect  persecution?  (2  Tim. 
3:1,  2.)  Why  are  Christ's  faithful  dis- 
ciples objects  of  hatred  and  persecution  on 
the  part  of  the  world?  (John  7:7;  15:19; 
17:14.)  Were  these  predictions  of  com- 
ing persecutions  literally  fulfilled?  (Acts 
4:3-7;  5:17-19,  40;  6:12-15;  7:57-60;  8:3; 
9:4;  12:1-4;  16:22-26;  21:30,  31;  22:30; 
24:1;  25:1,  2,  II,  12,  22-25;  26:2.)  Need 
the  Christian  dread  this  persecution?  (Rev. 
2:10;  I  Peter  4:13-14;  Matt.  5:11;  Luke 
6:22,  23;  2  Cor,  12:10;  Acts  5:41.)  For 
what  were  they  to  suffer  all  this?  Is  there 
any  comfort  in  knowing  we  are  suffering 
for  His  name's  sake?  What  two  thoughts 
did  Jesus  give  His  disciples  to  comfort 
them  amid  these  coming  trials?  (vv.  13, 
14,  15.)  When  shall  persecution  endured 
for  Christ's  name's  sake  turn  to  us  for  a 
testimony?  (i  Thess.  1:5-7;  Rev.  2:10.) 
What  preparations  were  they  to  make  be- 
forehand to  meet  these  great  emergencies? 
Why  not?  What  were  they  to  speak? 
(Mark  13:11.) 

Who  was  this  who  could  say,  "I  will 
give  you  a  mouth  and  wisdom  which  all 
your  adversaries  shall  not  be  able  to  with- 
stand or  gainsay"?  Who  would  be  the 
real  speaker?  (Matt.  10:20.)  Have  we 
today  a  right  to  depend  upon  His  help  in 
the  emergencies  which  we  shall  meet?  Does 
that  imply  that  we  are  never  to  think  over 
beforehand  what  we  shall  say  to  people? 
(i  Tim.  4:16;  2  Tim.  2:15.)     Is  it  definitely 


stated  when  it  is  that  we  are  not  to  pre- 
pare? (Matt.  10:19.)  Is  this  promise  in- 
tended to  encourage  laziness  or  to  dispel 
anxiety?  What  sort  of  words  and  wis- 
dom did  Jesus  promise  for  such  occasions? 
Have  we  any  illustrations  of  the  fulfil- 
ment of  this  promise?  (Acts  2:3,  2)7 \ 
4:8-14;  6:10;  24:25.)  Have  we  any  simi- 
lar promises  elsewhere?  (Ex.  4:11,  12; 
Jer.  1:9.)  Who  can  have  such  wisdom 
from  God?  (James  i  :5-7-)  What  would 
be  the  most  painful  aspect  of  this  coming 
persecution  (v.  16)  ?  Should  one  falter 
in  his  fidelity  to  Christ  when  persecu- 
tion comes  even  from  those  who  are  near- 
est and  dearest  to  us?  (Matt.  10:37.)  To 
what  lengths  would  this  persecution  go? 
(Compare  Acts  7:59;  12:2;  26:10;  Rev. 
2:13.)  How  widespread  would  be  the 
hatred  of  Christ's  disciples?  Would  they 
suffer  any  real  harm?  How  could  they 
be  killed  and  yet  not  a  hair  of  their  head 
perish?  (John  12:25.)  How  should  they 
win  their  souls  or  lives  (v.  19  R.  V.)  ? 
How  would  they  win  their  lives  by 
patience?      (Mark  13:13.) 

3.    Judgment  to  come,  vv.  20-24. 

Having  warned  His  disciples  of  the 
perils  and  persecutions  that  awaited  them, 
what  did  Jesus  proceed  to  foretell  next? 
To  what  question  did  vv.  20,  21  form  a 
direct  answer  (v.  7)  ?  Was  there  any 
practical  reason  why  they  should  know 
what  sign  should  precede  the  fall  of  Jeru- 
salem? What  were  they  to  do  when  they 
saw  this  sign?  Did  the  Christians  who 
were  at  Jerusalem  when  this  sign  occurred 
obey  Christ's  injunction?  Had  there  been 
any  other  time  in  the  history  of  Jerusalem 
when  her  doom  was  announced  and  all 
who  were  in  her  advised  to  flee  out  and 
escape  being  involved  in  her  ruin?  (Jer. 
21:9.)      Why    were    men    advised    to    flee 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


from  Jerusalem  in  both  instances?  What 
is  it  that  is  doomed  today?  (Compare 
Gen.  19:16,  17;  Rev.  18:4;  2  Cor.  6:17.) 
What  was  the  cause  for  this  awful  ruin 
that  was  coming  upon  Jerusalem  (v.  22)  ? 
For  what  sins  were  these  "days  of  ven- 
geance" brought  upon  them?  (c.  19:27-44; 
Matt.  23:34,  35;  compare  2  Chron.  36:15- 
17.)  What  was  fulfilled  in  this  awful 
desolation  of  Israel?  (v.  22;  compare  Lev. 
26:14-33;  Deut.  28:15-68;  29:19-28;  Dan. 
9:26,  27.)  How  long  before  had  this  been 
predicted?  What  should  become  of  the 
people  (v.  24)  ?  What  should  become  of 
Jerusalem?  Has  all  this  been  fulfilled? 
How  long  is  the  tribulation  for  Israel  and 
treading  down  by  the  Gentiles  to  last? 
Then  what  will  come  to  pass?  (Ro.  11:25, 
26-29;  Ez.  36:19,  24-36;  37:21-28;  Jer. 
31:31,  33;  50:19,  20;  Amos  9:14,  15;  Zech. 
8:23.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jcstis  Christ: 

His  divinity,  IS;  compare  Ex.  4:11,  12; 
Jer.   1:9-19. 

His  warning: 

Forewarned  His  disciples  of  the 
coming  destruction  of  the  temples, 
6 ;  of  the  coming  wars,  tumults, 
earthquakes,  famines,  etc.,  9,  10,  ii; 
of  the  coming  persecution,  12;  to 
flee  from  Jerusalem  when  the  armies 
encompassed  her,  20,  21. 

His  promises : 

Glory  through  suffering,  13;  help  and 
consequent  victory  in  the  hour  of 
peril,  15;  protection  from  all  loss, 
though  hated  by  men,  17,  18;  eternal 
life  through  patient  continuance  in 
face  of  bitterest  opposition,  19  R.  V. 

His  predictions: 

Siege  and  desolation  of  Jerusalem,  20, 
22,  23;  scattering  of  the  Jews  among 


all  nations,  24;  the  times  of  the  Gen- 
tiles, 24;  the  restoration  of  the  Jews, 
24. 

His  endorsement  of  Old  Testament 
prophecy  and  declaration  of  the  ab- 
solute  infallibility  of  the  Word: 

"All  things  which  are  written"  to  have 
literal  and  exact  fulfilment,  22. 
2.     Christ's  disciples. 

Their  mistake : 

Blinded  by  the  material  adornment  of 
the  temple  to  its  spiritual  defile- 
ment, 5. 

Their  wisdom: 

Sought  from  Jesus  Himself  further 
instruction  concerning  the  things  of 
which  He  spoke,  7. 

Forewarned : 

Of  the  destruction  of  the  temple,  6; 
the  rise  of  false  Christs,  8;  compare 
Matt.  24:11;  coming  wars,  tumults 
and  calamities,  9,  10,  11;  coming 
persecutions,  12;  coming  fall  of 
Jerusalem,   20-24. 

Their  trials : 

Persecutions,  12:  hated  and  delivered 
up  by  nearest  relatives  and  friends, 
16;  some  put  to  death,  16;  hated  of 
all  men  for  Christ's  name's  sake,  17. 

Their  security: 

Jesus  Christ  Himself  will  give  wisdom 
and  strength  in  every  emergency,  15 ; 
no  adversary  will  be  able  to  with- 
stand or  gainsay,  15  R.  V.;  due 
warning  is  given  in  order  to  escape 
being  involved  in  Jerusalem's  ruin, 
20,  21 ;  not  a  hair  of  their  heads 
shall   perish,    18. 

Their  instructions: 

Beware  of  false  Christs,  8;  "Be  not 
terrified,"  even  in  the  midst  of  appall- 
ing   commotion,    9;    be     free     from 


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261 


anxiety   even   in   the  midst   of  great 
emergencies,   12-15;   do  not  meditate 
beforehand  how  to  meet  these  emer- 
gencies but  look  to  Jesus,  14,  15. 
Their   reward : 


Their  sufferings  shall  turn  to  them  for 
a  testimony,  13;  compare  2  Thess. 
I  -.4-7 ;  by  their  patient  endurance  to 
the  end  shall  win  their  souls,  19 
R.  V. 


LESSON  114. 

Jesus'  Prophecies  Concerning  His  Own  Coming  Again.     Matt.   24:29-51. 

Compare  Mark  13:24-37;  Luke  21:25-36. 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS, 

/.  The  events  accompanying  the  second 
coming  of  Christ,  vv.  29-35. 

What  other  tribulation  did  the  tribula- 
tion connected  with  the  siege  of  Jerusalem 
suggest  and  typify?  Immediately  after  the 
great  tribulation  typified  in  the  tribulation 
at  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  what  ap- 
palling events  will  occur?  Will  the  true 
church  be  on  earth  at  this  time?  (i  Thess. 
4:16,  17.)  To  whom  will  He  appear  in 
this  way  at  this  time?  (Rev.  1:7;  Zech. 
12:10-14;  13:1;  14:1-5-)  What  signs  shall 
appear  in  the  heavens?  What  will  be  the 
effect  upon  the  tribes  then  living  upon  the 
earth  (v.  30)  ?  What  wonderful  sights 
will  they  see?  How  will  the  Son  of  Man 
come?  Who  usually  is  spoken  of  as  com- 
ing in  the  clouds?  (Ex.  19:9;  34:5;  Ps. 
97:1,  2;  Matt.  17:5;  Ps.  104:3;  Luke 
21 :27.)  What  then  is  taught  about  Christ 
by  saying  that  He  is  coming  in  the  clouds? 
What  shall  He  do  when  He  comes  (31)? 
Does  this  refer  to  the  gathering  of  the 
church  or  to  the  gathering  of  Israel? 

Does  any  man  today  know  where  the 
major  part  of  Israel  is?  Does  God  know? 
Shall  any  one  of  them  be  overlooked? 
(Amos  9:9.)  What  will  Israel  then  be 
like  (v.  32)  ?  How  long  a  winter  has 
Israel  had?  After  the  signs  given  in  vv. 
29,  30  how  fast  will  things  ripen   (v.  34)  ? 


Does  "this  generation"  in  v.  34  refer  to 
the  generation  living  upon  the  earth  at 
the  time  Jesus  spoke  these  words,  or  the 
generation  living  at  the  time  that  these 
signs  appear,  as  the  early  buds  on  the  fig 
tree  portend  the  near  approach  of  summer? 
(Note  context  carefully.)  What  remark- 
able statement  does  Jesus  make  in  v.  35? 
Did  it  seem  at  all  probable  that  heaven 
and  earth  should  pass  away  but  the  words 
of  an  obscure  Jew,  such  as  Jesus  seemed 
to  be  when  He  spoke  these  words,  would 
stand?  Has  His  astounding  and  apparently 
preposterous  utterance  proved  true?  What 
does  that  fact  prove? 

2.  The  time  of  Christ's  second  coming, 
w.  3(>-5i- 

When  is  Jesus  coming  again  (v.  ^d)  ? 
Who  alone  knows  when  He  is  coming 
again?  Why  does  not  man  know?  (Acts 
1:7.)  Did  Jesus  Himself  as  a  man  know 
the  hour  of  His  coming  again  (v.  36)  ? 
If  Jesus  as  a  man  voluntarily  renounced  the 
knowledge  of  the  exact  time  of  the  second 
coming,  what  is  it  on  our  part  to  try  to 
find  out?  As  far  as  we  know,  when  may 
Jesus  come  for  the  church  to  receive  it 
unto  Himself?  What  will  men  be  doing 
when  Jesus  comes  again  (vv.  37-39)  ? 
Will  they  be  standing  upon  the  hilltops 
looking  for  Him?  As  what  will  Christ 
come?      (v.    43;    compare    i    Thess.    5:2.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


What  is  our  proper  attitude  toward  His 
commg  (42,  44)  ?  Is  there  any  special 
blessing  awaiting  those  servants  whom  the 
Lord  finds  watching  when  He  comes? 
(Compare  Luke  12:37.)  If  He  came  today, 
would  you  have  part  in  that  blessing?  If 
we  are  ready  when  He  comes,  what  priv- 
ilege will  be  ours?  (Matt.  25:10,  R.  V.) 
If  we  are  not  ready,  what  doom  will  be 
ours?  (Matt.  25:10-12.)  What  constitutes 
readiness?  (Compare  Matt.  25:4,  10,  16; 
Luke  12:35;  21 :34-36;  i  John  2:28.)  What 
important  practical  question  does  Jesus  ask 
in  V.  45? 

What  is  a  steward's  business  (v.  45)  ? 
Do  all  those  whom  Christ  has  appointed 
to  this  office,  do  this?  Whom  do  some 
He  has  called  to  be  stewards  feed?  (Ezek. 
34:2,  3.)  With  what  does  the  wise  and 
faithful  steward  feed  the  household?  (i 
Peter  4:10,  11;  2:2.)  Do  all  stewards  give 
the  household  this  food?  With  what  do 
they  sometimes  try  to  feed  the  household? 
When  should  the  steward  give  the  house- 
hold their  portion  of  food?  What  word 
is  used  to  describe  the  experience  of  the 
wise  and  faithful  steward  at  the  coming 
of  his  Lord?  In  what  will  his  blessedness 
consist  (v.  47)  ?  Wherein  lies  the  appro- 
priateness of  this  reward?  Who  is  placed 
in  contrast  with  this  faithful  and  wise 
servant?  What  lies  at  the  bottom  of  his 
evil  doing  (v.  48)  ?  What  is  the  practical 
efifect  upon  the  church  and  individual  be- 
lievers of  regarding  the  coming  of  their 
Lord  as  a  far-away  and  unreal  event? 
What  is  the  effect  of  thinking  of  it  as  a 
most  real  and  possible,  imminent  event? 
(c.  25:6,  7.)  What  is  one  great  cause  ac- 
cording to  vv.  48,  49  of  the  worldliness  and 
laxness  in  evangelical  enterprises,  and  the 
oppression  and  self-indulgence  among  the 
many  professed  stewards  of  Jesus  Christ? 


What  was  the  great  cry  of  the  early  church 
as  it  pushed  the  evangelization  of  the 
world?  (Phil.  4:5;  James  5  7,  8;  i  Cor. 
16:22.)  Where  was  it  the  unfaithful 
steward  said,  "My  Lord  delayeth  His  com- 
ing"   (v.  48)  ? 

Can  we  have  a  head  faith  and  a  heart 
unbeHef  in  the  coming  of  the  Lord?  How 
can  we  show  we  have  a  heart  faith  in  it? 
Is  there  any  step  beyond  saying,  "My 
Lord  delayeth  His  coming"?  (2  Peter 
3:3,  4.)  Are  there  any  of  these  mockers 
m  the  church  saying  this  today?  How, 
first  of  all,  did  loss  of  faith  in  the  near 
approach  of  the  Lord  show  itself  in  the 
unfaithful  steward  (v.  49)  ?  For  what  is 
that  a  figure?  Is  there  a  warning  against 
this  anywhere  else  in  the  New  Testament? 
(i  Peter  5:3.)  How,  in  the  second  place, 
did  loss  of  faith  in  the  near  approach  of 
the  Lord  show  itself  in  the  unfaithful 
servant?  Have  these  faults  in  the  actual 
history  of  God's  people  been  seen  in  those 
whom  God  has  set  over  His  own  house- 
hold? (i  Sam.  2:13-16;  Ezek.  34:3;  Matt. 
7:15;  Acts  22:29;  Titus  2:10,  11;  3  John 
9,  10.)  How  are  these  unfaithful  servants 
to  be  brought  to  their  senses  (v.  50)  ?  Will 
the  day  of  Christ's  coming  be  a  joyful  day 
for  all  who  have  been  in  authority  in  His 
church?  What  will  be  done  to  the  unfaith- 
ful servant?  With  whom  will  his  lot  be 
eternally  cast  (v.  51)?  Why?  (Acts 
1 :25.)  What  will  be  the  occupation  of 
that  place  to  which  he  goes  (v.  51)?  To 
whom  may  this  solemn  and  terrific  warning 
be  justly  applied?     (i  Peter  4:10.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ: 
(i)     His  nature: 
Divine,  30;  human,  30,  36,  39. 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


263 


(2)  His  words: 

Inerrant,  35 ;  shall  never  pass  away,  35. 

(3)  His  coming  again: 

(i)   Its  certainty,  30-35. 
(2)  The  manner: 
With  power  and  great  glory,  30; 
as     a     Divine     One     (in     the 
clouds),  30. 
•  (3)  The  purpose : 

To  gather  His  elect,  31 ;  reward 
His  faithful  servants,  45-47; 
punish  His  unfaithful  servants, 

48-51. 

(4)  The  time  of  His  coming: 
No   man  knows   the   exact  time, 

nor  the  angels,  not  even  the 
Son,  36;  a  time  when  men  are 
going  about  their  usual  avoca- 
tions, 37-39;  a  time  when  He 
is  not  expected,  42-44;  may  be 
any  time,  42-44;  very  soon 
after  the  appearing  of  the 
signs,  29-34. 

(5)  Our  attitude  toward  His  com- 
ing: 

Watching,  42;  ready,  44;  longing 
for,  48. 
2.    Christ's  servants. 

(l)     Should  always  be: 
Watching   for    His   coming,   42;    ready 
for  His  coming,  44;  engaged  in  the 


work  which  He  has  appointed  them, 
45,   46. 

(2)  Should    never : 

Say  "My  Lord  delayeth  His  coming," 
48;  exercise  oppression  over  those 
under  their  authority,  49 ;  practice 
self-indulgence,  49. 

(3)  Their   opportunity   and   responsibil- 
ity: 

Over  Christ's  household,  45 ;  the  wel- 
fare of  Christ's  family  under  their 
keeping,  45. 

(4)  Their  duty: 

To  watch,  42;  to  give  the  household 
their  food  in  due  season,  45. 

(5)  Their  blessedness,  46. 

(6)  Their  reward : 

Dominion  over  all  the  Lord  hath,  47. 
S.     The  unfaithful  servant. 
(i)     His  theology: 
"My   Lord   delayeth    His   coming,"   48. 

(2)  His  practice: 

Tyranny,  49;  self-indulgence,  feeds 
himself  instead  of  the  household,  49, 
compare  45 ;  neglects  to  give  the 
household  their  meat,  45,  49. 

(3)  His  destiny: 

Surprised  by  Christ's  unexpected  com- 
ing, 50;  driven  into  the  outer  dark- 
ness, 51 ;  weeping  and  gnashing  of 
teeth,  51. 


LESSON  115. 
The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins.     Matthew  25:1-13. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.     While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  1-5. 

To  what  time  in  the  world's  history  does 
this  parable  refer?  Upon  what  oriental 
custom  is  it  founded?  What  is  the  central 
lesson  that  Jesus  aimed  to  teach  (v.  13)  ? 
Whom    does     the    bridegroom    represent? 


(John  3:28,  29;  Eph.  5:25;  2  Cor.  11:2; 
Matt.  9:15;  Rev.  21:9.)  Who  is  represent- 
ed as  the  bridegroom  in  the  Old  Testament  ? 
(Is.  54:5;  62:4,  5.)  Is  there  any  signifi- 
cance about  that?  Who  is  the  bride? 
(Eph.  5:25.)  What  thought  about  Christ 
is  set  forth  under  this  figure  of  a  bride- 


264 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


groom?  (Eph.  5:25,  28,  30,  31.)  Is  the 
story  of  this  bridegroom  a  romantic  one? 
Who  rejoices  over  the  marriage?  (Rev. 
19:6,  7.)  Is  the  bride  as  faithful  as  the 
bridegroom?  Whom  do  the  virgins  repre- 
sent? What  was  the  attitude  of  the  vir- 
gins toward  the  bridegroom's  coming? 
What  ought  to  be  our  attitude?  (Titus 
2:13;  2  Tim.  4:8;  2  Peter  3:12,  13  R.  V.) 
What  do  the  lamps  represent?  (c.  S:i6; 
Luke  12:3s;  2  Tim.  3-5-) 

Were  all  these  virgins  saved?  What  les- 
son is  there  in  that?  Into  what  two  classes 
were  the  virgins  divided?  In  what  re- 
spect did  the  wise  differ  from  the  foolish? 
Could  any  one  see  the  difference?  Of  what 
is  oil  a  symbol?  (Acts  10:38;  i  John  2:20, 
27;  Ps.  45:7.)  Had  the  five  foolish  vir- 
gins no  oil  at  all  (vv.  3.  4  and  v.  8,  R.  V.)  ? 
What  is  the  lesson?  Does  this  parable 
teach  that  one  can  have  really  been  born 
again  and  yet  after  all  be  shut  out  and 
Christ  say  unto  them,  "I  know  you  not"? 
(i  John  2:19;  John  10:28;  2  Tim.  1:12; 
4:18.)  Can  one  have  had  some  measure 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  be  lost?  (Heb. 
6:4-6.)  What  is  it  said  in  v.  5  that  the 
bridegroom  did?  Of  what  did  Jesus  mean 
to  give  a  hint?  Why  did  the  servant  in  c. 
24:48  fail?  Why  did  the  virgins  here  fail? 
Why  does  the  bridegroom  tarry?  Does 
Jesus  wish  us  to  believe  that  He  will  come 
soon  or  that  He  will  not  come  soon?  (Mark 
13:35-)  While  the  bridegroom  tarried  what 
did  the  virgins  do?  Was  it  wise  for  the 
foolish  virgins  to  go  to  sleep?  Was  it  for 
the  otkers?  Did  they  fall  fast  asleep  at 
once? 
2.    "BeJiold  the  Bridegroom  cometh,"  vv. 

6-13. 

How  were  they  awakened  ?  How  will  the 
sleeping  church  be  aroused?  (John  5:28, 
29;  I  Thess.  4:16.)  Why  does  the  parable 
represent  the  cry  being  made  at  midnight? 


(24:44.)  Will  it  be  literally  in  the  night? 
(Mark  13:35.)  What  other  call  in  the 
Bible  does  this  "Go  ye  out  to  meet  Him" 
suggest?  (Amos  4:12.)  When  does  God 
say  that?  What  did  the  virgins  do  then? 
What  does  that  symbolize?  In  what  pre- 
dicament did  the  foolish  find  themselves? 
Why?  What  leson  does  that  teaeh?  Were 
the  wise  in  any  way  to  blame?  What  did 
the  foolish  do  in  their  trouble?  What  does 
that  represent?  Did  they  find  any  help 
from  the  wise?  Why  not?  Can  the  wis- 
dom of  one  make  up  for  the  folly  of 
another?  (Ro.  14:12;  Ps.  49  7-9;  Jer. 
15:1;  Ezek.  14:14-16,  20;  I  Peter  4:18.) 
What  did  the  wise  tell  them  to  do?  Where 
is  the  oil  to  be  bought?  (Rev.  3:17,  18.) 
How  much  does  it  cost?  (Is.  55:1.)  Where 
was  the  difficulty  with  their  going  to  buy? 
Did  they  follow  the  advice?  Did  it  help 
them  any?  Why  not?  Where  is  the  folly 
in  putting  off  the  preparation  too  long? 

Who  went  into  the  marriage  feast? 
How  can  we  be  made  ready?  (Col.  1:12.) 
How  shall  we  be  ready?  (i  John  2:28; 
Rev.  19:7,  8;  Heb.  12:14.)  Was  that  mar- 
riage worth  going  to?  (Rev.  19:9.)  Of 
how  earnest  preparation  is  the  marriage 
feast  worthy?  What  happened  when  they 
had  entered?  Why  was  the  door  shut? 
What  other  instances  have  we  of  shut 
doors  in  the  Bible?  (Gen.  7:16;  Num. 
14:28-34;  Heb.  12:16,  17.)  Who  is  the 
door?  (John  10:7.)  To  whom  is  it  now 
open?  (John  10:9.)  Will  it  always  be 
open?  Can  anyone  get  in  after  it  is  once 
shut?  (Luke  13:25-28.)  What  is  the  next 
scene  in  the  parable?  Did  those  virgins 
really  wish  to  get  in?  Why  did  not  they 
then?  What  answer  did  they  get?  Whom 
does  God  know?  (John  10:27;  i  Cor.  8:3; 
2  Tim.  2:19.)  What  is  Christ's  practical 
summing  up  of  the  teaching  of  the  parable? 
Watch  what  or  for  what?     Does  this  ad- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


monition  apply  to  Christians?  Did  the 
wise  and  foolish  virgins  appear  alike  out- 
wardly? Will  hypocrites  ever  awaken  to 
the  difference  between  themselves  and  true 

professors  ?    When  ? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 
/.     Jcstis  Christ. 
His  divinity: 
Occupies  the  same  place  in  New  Testa- 
ment   thought   that    God   occupies   in 
Old  Testament  thought,   i ;   compare 
Is.  54:5;  62:4,  5. 
The  Bridegroom : 

His  wondrous,  tender  love  for  the 
church,  I  ;  compare  Eph.  5 :25 ;  His 
intimate  union  with  the  church,  i ; 
compare  Eph.  5  :28-32. 
He  tarries  : 
Does  not  come  as  soon  as  expected,  5, 
but  He  is  surely  coming:  At  mid- 
night, 6;  suddenly,  6;  unexpectedly, 
6;  while  even  those  who  went  out  to 
meet  Him  nodded  and  slept,  6;  takes 
those  who  are  ready  at  His  coming 
with  Him  into  the  marriage  supper, 
10 ;  shuts  the  door  on  those  not 
ready,  10;  will  not  open  to  the  most 
urgent  cry  of  those  who  come  too 
late,  12. 
2.     The  zvisc  z'irfiins. 

Took    their    lamps,    i ;    went    forth    to 


meet  the  bridegroom,  i ;  took  oil  in 
their  vessels  with  their  lamps,  4; 
nodded  and  slept  while  the  bride- 
groom tarried,  5  ;  suddenly  awakened 
by  the  midnight  cry,  6;  called  forth 
to  meet  the  bridegroom,  6 ;  arose  and 
trimmed  their  lamps,  7;  had  only  oil 
enough  for  themselves,  9;  advised 
the  foolish  to  go  to  them  that  sold  to 
buy  for  themselves.  9;  were  ready, 
10;  went  in  with  the  bridegroom  to 
the  marriage,  10;  were  shut  in,  ro. 

The  foolish  virgins. 

Took  their  lamps,  i ;  went  forth  to  meet 
the  bridegroom,  i ;  took  no  oil  in 
their  vessels  with  their  lamps,  3;  nod- 
ded and  slept  while  the  bridegroom 
tarried,  5;  suddenly  awakened  by  the 
midnight  cry,  6 ;  called  forth  to  meet 
the  bridegroom,  6;  arose  and 
trimmed  their  lamps,  7 ;  expected  to 
enter  with  the  bridegroom  unto  the 
feast,  7;  found  their  lamps  were 
going  out.  8  R.  V. ;  asked  the  wise  to 
supply  them  with  needed  oil,  8;  un- 
able to  get  oil  from  the  wise  virgins, 
9;  went  to  buy  for  themselves  after 
the  coming  of  the  bridegroom  was 
announced,  10;  bridegroom  came 
while  they  were  getting  oil,  10;  were 
shut  out,  10. 


LESSON  116. 
The  Parable  of  the  Talents.     Matthew  25:14-30. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  What  the  serz'onfs  did  during  their 
Lord's  absence,  vv.  14-1S. 

To  whom  was  this  parable  spoken? 
Where?  When?  What  is  the  chief  point 
of  likeness  between  this  and  the  preceding 


parable?  Chief  point  of  difference?  What 
other  parable  of  Christ  bears  a  striking  re- 
semblance to  this?  (Luke  19:12-27.)  What 
is  the  principal  difference  between  the  two? 
To  what  is  the  kingdom  compared  in  this 
parable?  Who  is  represented  by  the  man 
taking  a  journey  into  a  far  country?    What 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


did  Jesus  mean  to  teach  by  that?  What  did 
Jesus  say  this  man  did  before  going?  Who 
are  represented  by  the  bond  servants? 
What  is  meant  by  delivering  his  goods  unto 
his  servants?  (i  Peter  4:10.)  What  do 
the  talents  represent?  (Ro.  12:6-8;  i  Cor. 
12:4,  8,  II,  28;  Eph.  4:8,  II.)  Did  he  give 
to  each  the  same  gift?  Upon  v^rhat  princi- 
ple did  he  vary  the  gifts?  Who  is  it  de- 
cides just  what  gifts  each  Christian  shall 
have?  (i  Cor.  12:11.)  Did  he  leave  any 
servant  without  any  gift?  How  much  is  the 
least  sum  mentioned?  How  much  is  that? 
Was  that  enough  to  do  something  with? 
What  is  involved  in  receiving  a  larger  gift? 
(Luke  12:48.) 

For  what  purpose  were  the  talents  given? 
(i  Cor.  14:12;  2  Cor.  1:4.)  Suppose  we 
use  the  gifts  for  our  own  private  ad- 
vantage, of  what  are  we  guilty?  After 
distributing  the  gifts  what  did  the  man  do? 
What  does  that  represent?  (Eph.  4:8.) 
What  did  the  man  who  received  the  five 
talents  do?  What  is  meant  by  saying  that 
he  traded  with  the  same?  What  was  the 
result?  How  can  we  trade  with  our  tal- 
ents? (i  Cor.  15:10;  I  Tim.  6:17,  18;  2 
Peter  1:5-10;  i  Cor.  14:12.)  What  did  the 
man  with  the  two  talents  do?  Did  he  suc- 
ceed as  well  as  the  one  with  the  five  tal- 
ents? Can  you  give  any  Bible  illustration 
of  faithful  two-talent  people?  (2  Sam. 
19:32;  I  Kings  18:3,  4;  2  Kings  4:8-10; 
Mark  14:3-8;  Acts  9:36-39;  11:29,  30.) 
What  did  the  man  who  had  received  the 
one  talent  do?  What  does  that  represent? 
Is  that  common?  Is  it  only  one-talent  men 
who  do  this?  What  warning  does  Paul 
give  Timothy  against  this  very  error?  (i 
Tim.  4:14;  2  Tim.  1:6.)  Is  that  warning 
needed  today? 

2.  What  their  Lord  did  upon  His  return, 
vv.  19-30. 

What  is  the  next  scene  in  the  parable? 


What  does  that  represent?  (i  Cor.  4:5;  2 
Cor.  5:10.)  How  many  of  us  shall  have  a 
part  in  that  reckoning?  (Ro.  14:12.)  Of 
whom  shall  we  have  to  give  account?  If 
we  are  true  believers  shall  we  be  judged  as 
regards  the  question  whether  we  shall  be 
saved  or  not?  (John  5:24,  R.  V.)  For 
what,  then,  is  the  judgment  of  the  believer? 
(i  Cor.  3:14,  15.)  When  is  the  Lord  rep- 
resented as  coming?  What  was  Christ's 
purpose  in  saying  that?  (Luke  19:11.) 
Who  first  presented  himself  to  his  master? 
Was  he  afraid  to  come?  Why  not?  How 
may  we  be  saved  from  fear  in  the  day  of 
judgment?  (i  John  4:16,  17.)  What  is  the 
true  Christian's  hope  "in  the  presence  of 
Christ  at  His  coming"?  (i  Thess.  2:19.) 
Who  did  the  servant  say  had  gained  the  five 
talents?  In  the  parable  of  the  pounds  what 
did  the  servant  say  had  gained  the  five 
pounds?  (Luke  19:16,  17.)  Which  is  the 
true  representation?  (i  Cor.  15:10;  John 
15:5;  I  Cor.  3:9;  Gal.  2:20.)  What  was 
the  Lord's  answer?  Is  it  worth  anything 
to  have  Jesus  Christ  say  to  you,  "Well 
done"?  (2  Cor.  10:18.)  What  was  it  the 
Lord  praised?  What  was  to  be  his  re- 
ward? Is  the  first  part  of  this  promise 
found  elsewhere?  (Luke  12:44;  22:29; 
Rev.  2:26;  3:21;  2  Tim.  2:12.)  What  does 
"joy  of  the  Lord"  mean?  What  are  some 
of  its  elements?  (John  12:26;  14:3;  Ps. 
i6:to,  II ;  John  17:24.) 

Does  the  Christian  have  any  joy  before 
Christ  comes?  (i  Peter  1:8.)  Is  it  as  full 
as  he  is  to  have?  (Phil.  1:23,  R.  V.)  By 
what  expressive  figure  is  the  abundance  of 
this  joy  mentioned  in  Ps.  36:8?  Who  pre- 
sented himself  to  his  Lord  next?  What 
was  his  report?  Was  that  as  good  report 
as  that  of  the  former?  What  reply  did  his 
Lord  make  to  him?  How  did  this  differ 
from  the  reply  made  to  the  five-talent  man? 
What  is  the  lesson  taught  in  that?  (2  Cor. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


267 


8:l2.)  What  two  persons  won  Christ's 
very  especial  commendation  when  He  was 
here  for  what  they  did?  (Mark  12:41-44; 
14:8,  9.)  How  much  must  one  do  for 
Christ  to  get  a  reward?  (Matt.  10:42.) 
Who  came  last?  Why  did  he  hold  back  so 
long?  Why  did  he  come  at  last?  How  did 
he  look  as  he  came?  By  what  title  did  he 
address  his  Master?  What  would  have 
been  a  better  way  of  showing  Him  that  he 
regarded  Him  as  Lord?  (Luke  6:46.)  Will 
the  merely  calling  of  Christ  "Lord"  satisfy? 
(c.  7:21.)  What  did  he  report  having  done 
with  his  Lord's  money?  Do  any  do  that 
today?  Do  any  do  worse  than  that?  (Luke 
16:1.)  Why  did  he  say  that  he  did  that? 
Is  the  Christian  spirit  a  spirit  of  fear? 
(Ro.  8:is;  2  Tim.  1:7.)  Why  was  he 
afraid?  Did  he  really  know  his  Master? 
Have  any  this  conception  of  Christ  as  a 
Master  today?  On  whom  did  he  try  to 
shift  the  blame  of  his  poor  success?  On- 
to whom  do  men  generally  endeavor  to 
shift  the  guilt  of  their  unfaithfulness?  Did 
it  lessen  his  guilt  any  to  slander  his  Mas- 
ter? Does  it  ours?  What  is  an  all-suf- 
ficient answer  to  all  complaints  against 
God?  (Ro.  9:20.)  How  much  did  he  say 
he  brought  back?  Was  that  true?  What 
was  his  Master's  answer?  What  then,  was 
the  real  trouble?  What  is  the  real  trouble 
always  when  men  neglect  their  duty?  What 
is  a  lazy  man's  excuse?     (Prov.  26:13.) 

How  did  his  Lord  show  him  his  excuse 
was  no  excuse?  By  whose  words  was  he 
then  condemned  ?  What  did  his  Master  say 
that  he  should  have  done?  Is  there  any  les- 
son in  that?  What  is  the  next  step  in  the 
parable?  Have  we  any  Bible  illustration  of 
gifts  and  opportunities  being  taken  from 
these  who  neglect  them  and  being  given  to 
others?  (Gen.  25:34;  Ex.  4:14;  Acts  1:25, 
26;  Ro.  ii:ii.)  What  reason  did  Jesus 
give   for  this?     What  is  the     meaning  of 


this  principle?  In  connection  with  what 
other  parable  is  it  also  found?  (c.  13:12.) 
Was  this  loss  all  that  happened  to  the  sloth- 
ful servant?  What,  then,  is  all  that  is 
necessary  in  order  to  go  to  the  outer  dark- 
ness? (v.  30;  compare  c.  3:10.)  What  four 
classes  of  persons  does  Christ  represent  in 
His  teachings  as  going  to  the  outer  dark- 
ness? (c.  24:48-51;  Luke  13:27,  28;  c.  22:12, 
13.)  What  is  the  fourth  class  (v.  30)? 
By  what  one  word  did  Christ  express  the 
whole  difficulty  with  this  man  (v.  30)  ? 
Are  you  "profitable,"  of  any  use,  to  God? 
Whose  fault  was  it  that  he  was  "useless"? 
Whose  fault  is  it  if  any  man  is  useless? 
What  is  the  penalty  of  uselessness  (vv.  28, 
30)  ?  Why  did  Christ  choose  the  one-tal- 
ent man  as  the  unfaithful  servant? 

CL.^SSIFIC.\TION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus  Christ: 

He  has  gone  into  a  far  country,  14 ;  He 
has  entrusted  His  goods  to  His  serv- 
ants to  use,  14;  gives  to  each 
servant  "according  to  his  several 
ability,"  15 ;  He  is  coming  back 
again,  19;  He  will  make  a  reckoning 
with  each  of  His  servants,  19;  all 
His  servants,  must  appear  before 
Him  and  give  account  of  the  use 
made  of  the  gifts  bestowed  upon 
them,  20-24 ;  He  will  commend  the  fi- 
delity of  those  who  have  used  well 
the  gifts  bestowed  whether  the  gifts 
were  many  or  few,  21,  2^;  will  set 
over  many  things  those  who  have 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  21, 
23 ;  wnll  welcome  the  good  and  faith- 
ful into  participation  in  His  own  joy, 
21,  23 ;  will  penetrate  and  expose  the 
shallow  excuses  of  those  who  tr\^  to 
shift  the  responsibility  of  their  lazy 
infidelity  off  upon  His  imagined  se- 
verity, 26;  will  condemn  the  unfaith- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


ful  out  of  their  own  mouths,  26,  27; 
will  cause  the  neglected  gift  to  be 
taken  from  the  wicked  servant,  28; 
will  give  more  to  the  one  who  has 
used  well  what  he  had,  but  will  take 
from  the  one  who  has  not  used  what 
he  had,  even  that  which  he  had,  29; 
will  reward  the  faithful  use  of  op- 
portunities and  gifts  here  with 
greater  gifts  and  larger  opportuni- 
ties hereafter,  21,  23,  29;  will  com- 
mand the  useless  servant  to  be  cast 
into   the   outer  darkness,   30. 

The  hvo  faithful  servants: 

Their  talents  were  a  trust  from  their 
Master,  15;  doubled  the  talents  given 
by  faithful  use,  16-20 ;  promptly,  fear- 
lessly, and  gladly  presented  them- 
selves to  their  Master  upon  His  re- 
turn, 20, ,  22 ;  brought  the  increased 
talents  to  their  Master,  20,  22; 
praised  by  their  Lord  as  good  and 
faithful  servants,  20,  21 ;  made  rulers 
over  many  things  because  they  had 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  21, 
23 ;  ushered  into  participation  in  their 
Lord's  own  joy,  21,  22,',  one  had  five 


talents  and  the  other  but  two  but  they 
were  equally  faithful  and  similarly 
rewarded,  20-23. 

The  unprofitable  useless  servant. 

He  had  one  talent  entrusted  to  him, 
15 ;  that  talent  was  as  sacred  a  trust 
as  that  of  the  others,  15,  27;  it  was 
just  the  right  amount  for  him,  15; 
a  faithful  use  of  that  one  talent 
would  have  brought  the  same  reward 
that  the  five  talent  man  received  for 
the  faithful  use  of  his  five  talents, 
23;  compare  21;  he  had  a  false  con- 
ception of  his  master,  24;  that  false 
conception  was  the  outgrowth  of  his 
own  wicked  and  lazy  heart,  26;  he 
was  afraid,  25;  compare  Prov.  26:13; 
he  hid  his  talent  instead  of  using  it, 
18,  25;  endeavored  to  shift  the  re- 
sponsibility of  his  own  laziness  ofif 
upon  his  Master,  24,  25 ;  his  wicked- 
ness and  laziness  penetrated  and  ex- 
posed, 26;  condemned  out  of  his  own 
mouth,  26,  27;  his  talent  taken  away, 
28;  cast  into  the  outer  darkness  be- 
cause he  zcas  iiseless,  30;  compare  c. 
3:10. 


LESSON  117. 


The  Judgment  of  the  Nations.     Matt.  25:31-46. 

here  laid  down  apply?  How  many  shall 
appear  at  some  time  before  Christ's  judg- 
ment seat?  (2  Cor.  5:10;  Ro.  14:10.) 
When  is  the  destiny  of  the  believer  de- 
cided? (John  5:24.)  To  whom  first  of 
all  should  we  apply  the  principles  of  judg- 
ment given  here?  Is  there  to  be  another 
judgment  beside  that  represented  here? 
(Rev.  20:12,  13.)  In  what  way  is  Christ 
represented  as  coming?  Who  are  to  come 
as  His  companions?  Are  there  similar 
representations    of    Christ's    coming    else- 


DISCOVERY    OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.  The  great  gathering  and  the  final 
separation,  vv.  31-33. 

Where  were  these  words  spoken?  When? 
What  contrast  is  there  between  Christ  as 
He  speaks  here  and  the  Christ  as  He 
appears  in  the  prophecy  which  He  spoke? 
Of  what  have  we  a  picture  in  this  lesson? 
Is  the  judgment  represented  here  of  the 
nations  living  at  Christ's  coming  or  of 
all  men  who  had  ever  lived  (w.  35-40)  ? 
To   whom   do   the  principles    of  judgment 


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269 


where?  (16:27;  19:28;  26:64;  Zech.  14:3. 
4;  Mark  8:38;  i  Thess.  4:16;  2  Thess. 
1 :7,   10;  Jude  14;  Rev.   1:7.) 

Does  Christ's  coming  at  death,  at  the 
destruction  of  Jerusalem,  or  at  the  descent 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  fulfil  the  requirements 
of  these  passages?  When  is  He  so  com- 
ing? (Matt.  24:42,  44-)  What  will  He 
do  when  He  so  comes?  (Rev.  3:21.) 
What  will  occur  after  He  has  thus  taken 
His  throne?  How  many  nations  and  how 
many  angels?  What  will  He  do  with  the 
nations?  Into  how  many  classes  will  He 
separate  them?  Is  the  scene  here  repre- 
sented that  of  a  trial  or  verdict?  When 
does  the  trial  take  place?  Into  what  two 
classes  are  men  already  divided?  (John 
3:18.)  Under  what  figure  is  the  separa- 
tion represented?  Do  such  separations 
actually  occur  in  the  East?  Why  is  it 
necessary  to  separate  sheep  from  goats? 
Why  is  it  necessary  to  separate  the  wicked 
from  the  righteous?  (Rev.  21:7.)  Is  the 
truth  of  final  separation  found  elsewhere 
in  the  Bible?  (c.  3:12;  13:42,  43-49;  Mai. 
3:18.)  What  does  He  do  with  sheep  and 
goats  respectively?  Why  sheep  on  right 
hand?  (Gen.  48:13-17;  Ps.  45:9;  Heb. 
1:3-13;  Ps.  110:1;  Acts  2:34-35.) 

2.  The  Blessed  of  the  Father;  their 
deeds  and  their  destiny,  vv.  34-40. 

By  what  title  is  Christ  spoken  of  in 
V.  34?  Is  He  so  spoken  of  elsewhere? 
Does  He  use  this  title  of  Himself  else- 
where? To  whom  does  the  King  first  ad- 
dress Himself?  How  does  He  address 
them?  What  does  "blessed"  mean?  Is  it 
the  same  word  as  is  used  in  the  beatitudes? 
Does  the  Christian  have  to  wait  for  the 
blessing  of  God?  (Eph.  1:3.)  What  does 
He  say  to  "the  blessed"?  Who  do  we 
learn  from  other  passages  of  Scriptures 
shall  not  inherit  this  kingdom?     (Gal.  5  :i9- 


21;  Eph.  5:5;  I  Cor.  6:9,  10.)  Who  shall? 
(2  Tim.  2:12;  4:8;  James  2:5;  Rev.  21:7.) 
Is  this  inheritance  something  we  earn  or 
is  it  a  gift?  (Luke  12:32.)  How  long 
has  this  kingdom  been  prepared?  For 
whom  prepared?  What  other  things  are 
we  told  are  "from  the  foundation  of  the 
world"?  (Acts  15:18;  Eph.  1:4;  i  Peter 
1:19,  20;  Rev.  18:8.)  What  other  things 
are  spoken  of  as  prepared  for  God's  peo- 
ple? (Heb.  11:16;  John  14:2,  3;  c.  20:23; 
I  Cor.  2:9.)  What  reason  does  Christ 
give  for  inviting  them  to  an  inheritance  in 
this  kingdom?  How  does  this  coincide 
with  the  common  Bible  doctrine  that  the 
whole  destiny  of  man  hangs  on  the  point 
of  faith?  What  does  Paul  tell  us  is  the 
one  thing  that  avails?     (Gal.  5:6.) 

What  is  the  nature  of  a  faith  that  does 
not  show  itself  in  such  acts?  (Jas.  2:17.) 
What,  then,  is  the  proof  of  faith  which 
God  demands?  (James  2:18.)  Why  ought 
we  to  give  the  thirsty  Christ  to  drink? 
(John  4:14;  6:55.)  The  hungry  Christ 
to  eat?  (John  6:32,  35.)  Receive  Him 
when  a  stranger?  (Eph.  2:13,  18,  19.) 
Clothe  Him  when  naked?  (Is.  64:6;  Ro. 
13:14;  Phil.  3:9.)  Visit  Him  when  sick? 
(Luke  1:68,  78.)  When  in  prison?  (Luke 
4:18.)  What  do  the  righteous  answer? 
What  are  we  to  infer  from  this  answer? 
(c.  6:3;  Prov.  15:33;  I  Peter  5:5,  6.) 
What  is  the  King's  answer  to  them?  Does 
He  say  that  "inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto" 
any  man?  Who  are  His  "brethren"?  (c. 
12:49,  so;  28:10;  Heb.  2:11.)  If  then  we 
wish  to  feed  Christ,  what  should  we  do? 
If  we  wish  to  visit  Him?  What  is  the 
real  test  whether  or  not  we  love  Christ  and 
God?  (i  John  3:14;  4:20.)  What  is  the 
real  test  whether  we  love  our  brethren? 
(i  John  3-'^7-)  What  shows  whether  or 
not   we   have   received   Christ?      (c.    18:5; 


270 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


10:40.)  With  which  of  His  brethren  does 
Christ  identify  Himself?  For  whose  sake 
should  these  things  be  done  to  Christ's 
brethren?  (Mark  9:41-)  Where  is  a 
kindred  thought  to  that  of  this  verse  found 
in  Proverbs?  (Prov.  19:17;  14:31-)  Does 
God  much  esteem  almsgiving,  etc.?  (Acts 
10:31;  Eph.  4:28;  I  Tim.  6:17-19;  Heb. 
13:16;  6:10.)  Is  it  worth  striving  for  to 
be  called  out  before  the  assembled  uni- 
verse, "all  nations"  and  "all  angels"  and 
thanked  by  Christ  for  services  done  Him? 
How  can  we  gain  that  honor? 

2.  The  Cursed:  The  cause  and  charac- 
ter of  their  curse,  vv.  41-46. 

What  change  now  comes  over  the  scene? 
What  is  it  He  says  to  those  on  the  left? 
If  we  do  not  listen  to  the  "Come"  of 
Jesus  now,  what  will  we  have  to  listen 
to  hereafter?  Where  else  do  we  find  this 
word  "Depart"?  (7:22,  23;  Luke  13:25, 
27.)  How  does  He  address  them?  What 
words  does  He  add  to  "ye  blessed"  that 
he  does  not  add  to  "ye  cursed"?  By 
whom  are  the  cursed  cursed?  (John 
5:40.)  How  many  are  cursed?  (Gal. 
3:10.)  Whither  were  they  to  depart? 
Is  the  punishment  of  the  lost  elsewhere 
represented  as  fire?  (c.  13:40-42,  50;  7:19; 
Mark  9:44,  46,  48;  Luke  16:24;  John 
15:6;  Heb.  6:8;  Rev.  20:15;  14:11;  21:8.) 
What  does  that  representation  mean?  Was 
this  fire  prepared  for  them?  Why  do  they 
go  there  then?  What  reason  does  the 
King  give  for  this  awful  doom?  Was  it 
some  evil  they  had  done  or  some  good 
they  had  neglected  to  do  that  brought  this 
doom  upon  them?  What  shall  we  judge 
then  to  be  the  doom  of  those  who  have 
not  only  neglected  but  positively  rejected 
Christ's  brethren?  Were  they  aware  that 
they  had  so  neglected  Christ?  Are  there 
any  today  who  neglect  Christ  who  are  not 
aware   of  it? 


Are  the  wicked  generally  fully  conscious 
of  their  wickedness?  (i  Sam.  15:13-15, 
20,  21;  Jer.  2:23,  35;  Mai.  i  :6;  2:17;  3:13.) 
Why  not?  (Jer.  17:9.)  What  prayer 
should  this  fact  lead  us  all  to  offer?  (Ps. 
139:23,  34;  19:12.)  What  was  Christ's 
answer?  How,  then,  can  we  neglect  Christ? 
How  can  we  persecute  Him?  (Acts  9:4, 
5.)  What  was  the  final  decision?  What 
is  meant  by  "everlasting"?  Which  will 
endure  the  longer,  the  punishment  or  the 
life?  What  does  the  whole  question  of 
whether  it  is  eternal  punishment  or  eternal 
life  turn  upon  accordmg  to  this  lesson? 
What  is  the  condition  of  eternal  life  most 
commonly  mentioned  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment? (John  3:15,  16,  36;  I  John  5:11, 
12.)  Is  there  any  contradiction?  What  is 
Paul's  definition  of  a  true  faith?  (GaL 
5:6.)  What  words  of  Daniel  are  suggested 
by  this  verse?  (Dan.  12:2.)  What  other 
words  of  Christ  recorded  in  John?  (John 
5 :29.) 

According  to  this  lesson  who  is  cursed? 
(Compare  i  Cor.  16:22.)  What  is  the 
proof  of  our  love  or  lack  of  love  to  Christ? 
What  is  the  proof  of  our  faith?  Do  we 
learn  to  love  Christ  first  and  afterwards 
to  trust  Him  as  a  Saviour  or  vice  versa? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     What  He  is: 
The   Son   of   Man,   31;   the  King,   34; 
the  Judge  of  men,  31-46. 
(2)     What  He  does: 
Regards     either    kindness    or    neglect 
shown  to  His  brethren  as  shown  to 
Himself,  40,  45;   sets   a  higher  esti- 
mate upon  the  service  of  the  right- 
eous than  they  themselves  do,  37,  38; 
attaches    a    greater    degree    of    guilt 
to  the  sins  of  the  wicked  than  they 
themselves  do,  44. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


271 


(3)     What   He   shall   do: 

He  shall  come  in  His  glory,  31 ;  with 
all  the  angels,  31. 

He  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  His 
glory,  31 ;  cause  all  the  nations  to 
be  gathered  before  Him,  32;  sepa- 
rate them  into  two  classes,  the  sheep 
and  the  goats,  32;  set  the  sheep  on 
His  right  hand,  33;  set  the  goats 
on  His  left  hand,  33;  say  to  those 
on  His  right  hand,  "Come",  34;  say 
to  those  on  His  left  hand,  "Depart", 
41. 

Man's  final  destiny  of  eternal  life  or 
eternal  punishment  will  be  decided 
by  the  attitude  he  has  taken  toward 
Jesus  Christ  as  revealed  in  his  treat- 
ment of  those  who  belong  to  Him, 
34-46. 

The  righteous. 

By  what  they  are  symbolized : 

Sheep,  33. 

Because   of  .  what   they   are   rewarded : 

Love  to  Christ  revealed  in  kindly  min- 
istries to  those  who  belong  to  Christ, 
35-40. 

The   character  of  their  goodness : 

Unconscious,  37-39. 


The  nature  of  their  reward: 
Separated  from  the  wicked,  32;  set  at 
Christ's  right  hand  at  His  coming, 
33;  blessed  of  the  Father,  34;  a 
kingdom  prepared  for  them  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  34;  they 
shall  inherit  the  kingdom  when  Jesus 
comes,  34;  they  shall  hear  Jesus  say, 
"Come,"  54;  shall  go  away  into  eter- 
nal life,  46. 

The  ivicked. 

By  what  they  are  symbolized : 

Goats,  33. 

Because  of  what  they  are  cursed : 

Absence  of  love  to  Christ  revealed  in 
the  neglect  of  those  who  belong  to 
Christ,  42-45;  compare  i  Cor.  16:22. 

The  character  of  their  wickedness : 

Unconscious,  44. 

The  nature  of  their  reward: 

Separated  from  the  righteous,  32;  set 
at  Christ's  left  hand  at  His  coming, 
33;  "cursed,"  34;  shall  share  the  fiery 
torment  prepared  for  the  devil  and 
his  angels,  41 ;  shall  hear  Jesus  say, 
"Depart  from  Me,"  41 ;  shall  go 
away  into  eternal  punishment,  46. 


LESSON  118. 

The  Institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper.     Luke  22:7-20.     (Compare  Matthew 

26:17-30;  Mark  14:12-26.) 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  preparation  for  the  passover, 
7-13- 

Where  did  Luke  get  his  account  of  the 
Lord's  supper?  (i  Cor.  11:23-26.)  From 
whom  did  Paul  get  it?  (i  Cor.  11:23.) 
Upon  what  day  did  the  scenes  of  this  les- 
son   occur?      (Lev.    23:5,    6;    Ex.    12:18.) 


Did  Jesus  eat  the  passover  with  the 
disciples  on  the  regular  passover  evening? 
(John  13:1;  18:28;  19:14;  Mark  14:15; 
Matt.  26:20.)  To  whom  did  Jesus  give 
the  commission  to  prepare  the  passover 
(v.  8)?  Which  Gospel  is  it  tells  us  this? 
Why  was  the  commission  given  to  them? 
Was   it   a  privilege   to  prepare   for    Him? 


272 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Can  we  have  this  privilege  of  preparing 
for  Him?  (Rev.  3:^0.)  What  question 
did  the  disciples  put  to  Him?  When 
Jesus  gives  us  a  commission  to  whom 
should  we  look  for  directions  as  to  where 
and  how  to  execute  this  commission?  How 
often  might  we  ask  the  question  which  the 
disciples  asked?  What  directions  did 
Jesus  give  to  Peter  and  John?  What  was 
His  purpose  in  giving  directions  in  this 
singular  way?  Who  was  the  man  whom 
they  were  to  meet?  Was  it  a  mere  chance 
that  they  were  to  meet  this  man  with  the 
pitcher?  How  much  of  our  life  is  a  mat- 
ter of  chance?  How  did  Jesus  know  they 
were  to  meet  him  in  this  way?  (Matt. 
26:18.)  How  would  they  know  which  of 
the  men  carrying  pitchers  of  water  they 
were  to  follow?  Did  the  man  who  was 
carrying  that  pitcher  of  water  realize  that 
by  that  humble  act  he  was  performing  a 
part  in  God's  wondrous  plan  of  redemp- 
tion? Is  there  any  lesson  in  this?  How 
much  of  what  they  would  meet  upon  their 
way  did  Jesus  know  beforehand?  How 
much  of  what  we  shall  meet  does  He 
know  beforehand?  How  should  we  feel 
then  about  the  unknown  things  that  shall 
come  to  us  in  life's  journey? 

What  were  they  to  say  to  the  owner  of 
the  house?  Was  he  a  disciple?  (Matt. 
26:18;  John  7:30;  12:23;  13:1;  17:1;  Mark 
12:15.)  Had  Jesus  made  previous  arrange- 
ments with  him?  (Mark  14:15;  Matt. 
26:18.)  What  words  in  the  disciples'  mes- 
sage to  the  man  settled  the  question  of 
duty  beyond  a  doubt?  Was  it  a  great 
honor  to  have  Jesus  take  His  last  supper 
with  the  disciples  at  his  house?  How 
did  the  man  get  this  honor  (v.  12)  ? 
Was  the  man  eager  to  have  Jesus  come  to 
his  home?  (Mark  14:15  R-  V.)  For  what 
purpose  had  the  room  been  made  ready? 
How  did  the  disciples  show  the  genuineness 


of  their  discipleship?  Did  the  directions 
they  had  received  seem  altogether  reason- 
able? Has  the  disciple  anything  to  do  with 
the  seeming  reasonableness  or  unreason- 
ableness of  Christ's  directions?  What  is 
the  disciple's  sole  business?  (John  I5:i4-) 
How  did  the  disciples  find  everything  when 
they  got  into  the  city?  Had  there  seemed 
to  be  anything  improbable  in  what  Jesus 
had  foretold?  How  shall  we  find  every- 
thing that  Jesus  foretells  no  matter  how 
improbable  it  seems?  What  is  the  wise 
thing  for  us  to  say  in  the  face  of  whatever 
Jesus  says  no  matter  how  improbable  it 
seems?       (Acts    27:25,     last    half;     Mark 

13:31-) 

2.     The  institution  of  the  Lord's  sxipper, 
vv.  14-20. 

Had  Jesus  been  anticipating  this  occasion 
(v.  15)?  Why  did  Jesus  so  earnestly  de- 
sire to  eat  that  passover  with  them?  When 
was  He  to  eat  it  again?  What  is  meant 
by  its  being  "fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of 
God"?  (Matt.  26:29;  Rev.  19:9.)  Are  we 
to  understand  that  there  is  to  be  actual 
wine  drinking  in  God's  kingdom?  (v.  30; 
Acts  10:41.)  What  is  meant  by  "the 
kingdom  of  God  shall  come"?  (Dan. 
2:44;  Luke  21:31.)  What  Christian  cus- 
tom did  Jesus  institute  at  this  time  (v. 
19)?  What  was  its  primary  purpose? 
(i  Cor.  11:24,  25.)  What  is  the  connec- 
tion between  this  Christian  institution  and 
the  Jewish  passover?  (i  Cor.  5:7,  8.)  Is 
there  any  evidence  of  the  divinity  of  our 
'  Lord  in  His  thus  instituting  a  memorial  of 
Himself  in  this  ancient  ceremonial?  What 
did  He  say  of  the  bread?  What  does  the 
verb  "is"  signify  here?  (Ezek.  37:11; 
Rev.  1:20;  Gal.  4:25.)  What  truth  is 
symbolized  by  our  eating  of  the  bread  and 
drinking  of  the  wine?  (John  6:51,  53, 
54.)  When  we  eat  the  bread  of  com- 
munion do  we  actually  feed  upon  Christ? 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD  273 


What  do  we  eat  and  drink  if  we  do  not 
"discern  the  Lord's  body"?  (i  Cor.  11:29 
R.  V.)  What  did  Jesus  say  of  the  cup 
(v.  20)  ?  What  became  of  the  old  cove- 
nant? Was  the  old  covenant  sealed  with 
blood?  (Ex.  24:7,  8.)  Why  must  all  cov- 
enants between  God  and  man  be  on  the 
basis  of  blood  shed?     (Heb.  9:22.) 

What  is  the  significance  of  the  blood? 
(Lev.  17:11.)  What  further  did  Jesus  say 
about  the  blood?  (Matt.  26:28  R.  V.) 
What  does  "unto  remission,  etc."  mean? 
Does  the  blood  play  a  very  important  part 
in  the  Bible  plan  of  salvation?  (Ro. 
3:25;  5:9;  Eph.  1:7;  Col.  1:14,  20;  Eph. 
2:13;  I  John  1:7,  9;  Heb.  13:12;  Rev. 
12:11;  1:5;  7:9,  14;  compare  i  Cor.  5:7 
and  Ex.  12:13;  Heb.  9:22.)  What  shall 
we  say  of  a  gospel  that  leaves  the  blood 
out?  What  shall  we  say  of  those  who 
speak  contemptuously  of  the  blood?  (Heb. 
10:28,  29.)  How  do  we  know  that  Jesus 
wished  us  never  to  forget  or  get  beyond 
the  truth  that  we  are  saved  by  blood? 
Why  did  Christ  institute  the  Lord's  sup- 
per? (v.  19;  I  Cor.  11:26;  10:16,  17.) 
Why  did  He  want  to  be  remembered? 
Why  do  men  need  something  to  remember 
Him  by?  How  long  did  Jesus  wish  this 
ceremony  to  be  kept  up?  (i  Cor.  11:26.) 
To  what  ceremony  of  the  law  did  it  cor- 
respond? (Ex.  12:14.)  What  would  we 
say  of  an  ancient  Israelite  who  neglected  to 
keep  this  memorial  of  God's  wondrous  re- 
deeming mercy  as  He  commanded?  What 
shall  we  say  of  a  Christian  who  neglects  to 
keep  this  memorial?  What  is  the  meaning 
of  the  Lord's  supper? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF     TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  Nature: 
Divine,  19 ;  Human,  20. 


(2)  His  love: 

For  His  disciples :  Seen  in  His  desire 
to  eat  this  passover  with  them,  15; 
Seen  in  His  wish  to  be  remembered 
by  them,   19. 

For  sinners :  Seen  in  his  atoning 
death,  20;  His  joy  in  human  com- 
panionship, IS;  His  longing  for  hu- 
man love  and  sympathy,  15. 

(3)  His  knowledge: 

Of  man,  19;  of  the  future,  even  in 
minute  and  accidental  things,  15 ;  of 
what  was  occurring  at  a  distance, 
10;  of  human  plots,  10,  11;  of  what 
awaits  His  disciples,  10,  11. 

(4)  His   word: 

Its  absolute  certainty,  13. 

(5)  His  guidance: 

Explicit,  10,  11;  for  those  who  wish 
it,  9-1 1 ;  can  be  had  for  the  asking, 
9;  never  makes  mistakes,  13;  a  step 
at  a  time,  10,  11. 

(6)  His   death: 

Central  fact  of  His  life,  19,  20;  the  one 
thing  "to  shew  forth,"  15,  20;  the 
one  thing  to  remember,  19,  20;  i  Cor. 
II  :26. 

(7)  His  blood: 

Shed  unto  remission  of  sins,  20;  com- 
pare Matt.  26:28;  the  only  basis  of 
communion  between  God  and  man, 
19,  20;  must  be  appropriated  and 
drank,  20;  compare  i  Cor.  11:25,  26. 
2.     The  Lord's  supper: 

A  memorial  of  Christ,  19;  i  Cor.  ii; 
a  proclamation  of  His  death,  i  Cor. 
II  :26;  a  symbol  of  the  impartation  of 
His  life  to  us,  19,  20;  i  Cor.  11:29; 
compare  Lev.  17:11;  a  vehicle  of  the 
impartation  of  Himself,  19,  20;  com- 


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pare  i  Cor.  11:29;  a  prophecy  of  His 
return  and  the  marriage  supper,  i 
Cor.  11:26;  Luke  22:16,  18;  duty  of 
celebrating  it,  19;  i  Cor.  11:24-26; 
base  ingratitude  of  not  celebrating 
it,  19,  20;  I  Cor.  11:25,  26;  a  testi- 
mony against  the  forgetfulness  of 
man,  19;  i  Cor.  11:24;  testimony  for 
the  tender  love  of  Christ,  19,  20;  i 
Cor.  II  :24.  So  base  is  man's  ingrati- 
tude that  he  readily  forgets  the  re- 
deeming love  of  Christ;  so  tender 
is  Christ's  love  that  He  wishes  us  to 
hold  Him  in  everlasting  remem- 
brance. 
3.    Man : 

His  need  of  atonement,  20;  forgetful- 


ness of  God's  love,  19;  i  Cor.  11:25, 
26;  made  partaker  of  Christ  by 
faith,  19,  20;  compare  i  Cor.  11,  24. 

4.  The  true  disciple: 

Looks  to  Christ  for  directions,  7,  8; 
compare  Matt.  26:17;  believes  whzt 
he  is  told,  10;  asks  no  doubting 
questions,  10-13;  does  just  what  he 
is  commanded,  13;  is  satisfied  with 
"thus  saith  the  Lord,"  10-13;  never 
forgets  his  Lord,  19,  20. 

5.  The   kingdom  of  God: 

It  is  coming,  18;  will  be  a  place  of 
feasting  and  gladness,  16;  the  fulfil- 
ment of  all  types,  promises  and 
prophecies,  16. 


LESSON  119. 
Jesus   Washing   the   Disciples'   Feet.     John    13:1-17. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.  The  true  humility  of  the  Master,  vv.  1-5. 
What  was  the  place  of  this  lesson?  The 
time?  What  was  Jesus  about  to  do? 
From  whom  was  He  to  depart?  To  whom 
was  He  to  depart?  Had  the  world  appre- 
ciated Him?  Had  the  disciples?  What 
might  very  naturally  be  His  feeling  at  the 
prospect  of  leaving  these  dull,  unbelieving 
disciples  to  go  to  realms  of  glory?  Was 
that  His  feeling?  With  what  thoughts 
might  He  very  naturally  be  occupied  at  that 
time?  With  what  thought  was  He  su- 
premely occupied  ?  What  expression  in 
V.  I  explains  all  this?  What  sort  of  love 
was  His?  Why  did  He  love  His  disciples? 
Why  were  they  "His  own"?  (John  17:12; 
2  Peter  2:1.)  Are  the  angels  in  heaven 
"His  own"  in  any  such  sense  as  we  re- 
deemed sinners  are?     What  does  the  fact 


that  we  are  "His  own"  make  sure?  (17:12.) 
What  view  of  death  does  this  verse  set 
forth?  Ought  we  then  to  dread  death? 
(John  14:28,  29.)  What  is  mentioned  as  a 
black  background  for  the  brightness  of  the 
Saviour's  unfailing  love?  Why  is  the  per- 
fidy of  Judas  mentioned  at  this  point? 
Where  did  Judas  get  his  awful  purpose  to 
betray  the  Son  of  God?  Was  that  the  first 
thing  that  Satan  had  ever  put  into  his 
heart?  If  Satan  had  put  this  purpose  into 
Judas'  heart,  was  he  responsible  for  it? 
(James  4:7.)  Was  it  Judas'  actions  that 
Satan  attacked  first?  Did  the  devil  ever 
work  in  any  one  besides  Judas?  (Acts 
5:3;  Eph.  2:2.)  Of  what  three  wondrous 
facts  was  Jesus  clearly  conscious  at  this 
moment?  (Compare  3:35;  Matt.  11:27.) 
What  are  some  of  the  "all  things"  that  the 
Father   "had  given  into  His  hands"?     (c. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


275 


5:22;    17:2;    Matt.    28:18;    Eph.    1:21,   22; 
Heb.  1:2;  2:8,  9;  I  Cor.  15:27.) 

As  a  prelude  to  what  is  the  divine  glory 
that  the  Father  had  bestowed  upon  the 
Son  mentioned?  In  full  consciousness  of 
what  did  Jesus  humble  Himself  to  wash 
the  disciples'  feet?  When  we  have  a  little 
dignity  and  authority  bestowed  upon  us  are 
we  ready  still  to  descend  to  perform  the 
humblest  services  for  those  put  under  us? 
Why  not?  When  the  consciousness  of  su- 
periority of  rank  or  ability  tempts  us  to 
shirk  the  lowliest  offices  for  the  humblest 
of  God's  children,  what  should  we  remem- 
ber? Was  this  not  a  great  lowering  of 
Christ's  glory?  What  seven  things  is 
Jesus  here  recorded  to  have  done?  Is  there 
anything  remarkable  in  any  of  those  seven 
things  taken  in  itself?  Is  there  anything 
remarkable  in  those  seven  things  as  Jesus 
did  them?  Did  Jesus  ever  do  anything 
more  amazing?  How  can  the  most  com- 
monplace actions  be  made  amazingly  glori- 
ous? How  would  you  have  felt  to  have 
been  there  and  had  Jesus  wash  your  feet? 
Does  Jesus  wash  our  feet?  Is  there  any 
filth  viler  and  more  repulsive  to  Him  than 
that  of  the  soiled  feet  that  Jesus  humbles 
Himself  to  wash  for  us?  How  do  these 
acts  of  Jesus  symbolize  His  whole  work? 
(Phil.  2:6.) 

2.  The  spurious  humility  of  the  disciple, 
vv.  6-1 1. 

Did  all  the  disciples  submit  to  the  feet 
washing?  What  was  it  prompted  Peter  to 
protest?  Was  it  a  true  humility?  How 
does  a  true  humility  manifest  itself?  Do 
we  ever  see  a  spurious  humility  today  that 
refuses  the  abounding  mercies  of  Christ  on 
the  plea  that  it  is  not  worthy  of  them?  Is 
that  true  humility?  With  what  answer  did 
Jesus  meet  Peter's  first  protest  (v.  6)  ? 
Does   God  ever  do  things   that  we  cannot 


understand?  Upon  what  thought  should 
we  rest  at  such  times?  When  would  Peter 
understand  the  meaning  of  Christ's  act? 
(vv.  14-17;  John  14:26;  I  Peter  5:5.)  Was 
Peter  satisfied  with  Jesus'  answer  (v.  8)  ? 
Did  he  display  much  humility  in  this? 
Was  this  the  first  time  Peter  had  thought 
that  he  knew  better  than  Jesus?  (Matt. 
16:22).  Is  there  any  reference  in  Peter's 
"never"  to  Jesus'  "hereafter"?  Do  we 
ever  meet  nowadays  this  pride  that  thinks 
it  knows  better  than  Jesus  what  He  ought 
to  do  for  us  and  consequently  refuses  to 
accept  what  He  offers?  What  was  Jesus' 
answer  to  this  emphatic  refusal  of  Peter? 
Why  would  Peter  have  no  part  with 
Jesus  if  he  refused  the  feet  washing?  What 
was  the  alternative  to  being  washed  by 
Christ?  What  does  that  involve  (9)? 
What  did  Peter  answer?  Did  this  an- 
swer spring  from  a  due  weighing  of  the 
profound  words  Jesus  had  spoken?  Do 
we  duly  weigh  the  words  of  the  Master  in 
our  responses  to  Him?  How  do  we  feel 
when  our  profoundest  utterances  are  treat- 
ed lightly?  Was  Jesus  impatient  or  dis- 
couraged (v.  10)  ?  What  was  Jesus'  an- 
swer? What  is  the  meaning  of  the  an- 
swer? In  what  sense  is  the  believer 
"bathed"  already?  (i  John  i  :7;  John  15:3; 
Titus  3:5.)  In  what  sense  does  he  need 
daily  cleansing?  How  does  Jesus  cleanse 
him  from  the  daily  defilement?  (John 
15:3;  Eph.  5:26.)  What  did  Jesus  say  the 
disciples  were?  Were  they  perfect?  In 
what  sense  were  they  clean?  (Titus  3:5; 
2  Cor.  5:17,  21.)  Were  the  entire  twelve 
clean?  Who  was  the  unclean  one?  Was 
the  one  who  was  to  deny  Him  three  times 
and  those  who  were  to  forsake  Him  clean  ? 
What,  then,  is  every  true  believer  in  spite 
of  faults  and  falls?  How  long  had  Jesus 
known  who  would  betray  Him?  (2:25; 
6:70,  71.) 


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J.  The  laiv  of  Christian  liiing — Do  as  I 
have  done,  vv.  12-17. 

What  question  did  Jesus  put  to  them 
when  He  had  completed  the  feet  washing 
(v.  12)  ?  Do  we  always  know  what  the 
Lord  has  done  to  us?  What  had  He  done 
(v.  15)?  Wherein  lay  the  necessity  of 
that  example?  (Luke  22:24.)  What  is 
the  rule  of  Christian  living?  (John  2:6; 
I  Peter  2:21;  Eph.  5:2.)  What  does  this 
example  of  the  feet  washing  mean  for  us? 
By  what  titles  did  the  disciples  call  Christ 
(v.  13)?  What  does  Lord  mean?  What 
does  Master  mean?  Did  these  titles  right- 
ly belong  to  Christ?  What  argument  does 
Jesus  found  upon  these  titles  (v.  14)  ?  Is 
that  a  good  argument?  What  is  the  one 
who  calls  Jesus  Lord  and  Master  and  does 
not  seek  to  stoop  as  low  as  He?  Is  there 
any  reference  in  Peter's  writings  to  this 
incident?  (i  Peter  5:5.)  What  did  Jesus 
say  of  the  relation  of  servant  and  Lord? 
Does  not  every  one  know  that?  Why  then 
introduce  it  with  such  solemn  emphasis? 
How  many  Christians  carry  this  thought 
out  in  their  lives?  How  many  Christians 
would  be  satisfied  with  an  earthly  lot  like 
His?  Ought  we  to  be  content  with  it? 
Why?  Do  we  ever  see  professed  servants 
of  Christ  assuming  a  greatness  and  a  dig- 
nity He  discarded?  Is  it  the  knowledge 
of  these  truths  that  brings  blessedness? 
Do  we  ever  try  to  substitute  knowledge  of 
truth  for  practice  of  truth?  Will  knowl- 
edge of  truth  bring  blessedness?  What 
does  knowledge  of  truth  where  there  is  no 
practice  bring?  (Luke  12:47,  48;  Jas.  4: 
17.)  What  truths  were  they  which  Jesus 
had  especially  in  mind  when  He  said: 
"Blessed  are  ye  if  ye  do  them"?  What 
then  is  the  road  to  blessedness?  Do  many 
follow  that  road  to  blessedness? 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

/.     Jesus: 

His  divinity,  3;  humanity,  4,  S,  11; 
titles:  Master  (Teacher),  13,  Lord, 
13 ;  wondrous  patience  with  man's 
dullness  and  failure  to  ponder  and 
appreciate  His  words,  9,  10;  depart- 
ure from  the  world  shameful  and 
painful  as  it  was,  was  a  departure 
to  the  Father,  i ;  loved  His  own  to 
the  end — thoughts  of  them  occupied 
His  mind  in  His  closing  hour  rather 
than  thoughts  of  His  own  glory  that 
was  drawing  so  near,  i ;  took  upon 
Him  the  form  of  a  servant  and  per- 
formed the  most  menial  services,  4. 
S ;  performed  these  lowly  services  in 
full  consciousness  of  His  own  trans- 
cendant  glory,  3-5 ;  gave  us  an  ex- 
ample of  how  to  act  toward  others, 
15;  made  the  most  commonplace 
acts  glorious  as  an  amazing  revela- 
tion of  humility  and  love,  4,  S;  He 
knew :  that  His  hour  was  come,  i ; 
that  He  came  from  God,  3 ;  that  He 
went  to  God,  3;  that  the  Father  had 
given  all  things  into  His  hands,  3; 
who  should  betray  Him,  11;  the  con- 
dition of  having  a  part  with  Him — 
being  washed  by  Him,  8;  things  typi- 
fied, 4,  5,  12:  riseth  from  supper — 
risen  from  His  rightful  place  in  glory, 
compare  v.  3;  layeth  aside  His  gar- 
ments— laying  aside  garments  of  di- 
vine majesty,  compare  Phil.  2:6,  7; 
took  a  towel  and  girded  Himself — • 
took  upon  Him  the  form  of  a  serv- 
ant, Phil.  2 :7 ;  poureth  water  into  a 
basin — provides  the  cleansing  Word, 
compare  John  15 :3 ;  washes  the  dis- 
ciples' feet — applies  the  cleansing  wa- 
ter,   compare   Eph.    5:26;    takes    His 


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277 


garments — reassumes  His  glory,  com- 
pare John  17:5;  sat  down  again — 
reassumes  His  place  as  Lord,  com- 
pare Heb.  10:12. 

2.     Believers: 

Belong  to  Christ— "His  own,"  i ; 
loved  by  Christ,  i;  the  chief  object 
of  His  thought  and  care  even  on  the 
eve  of  His  coming  glory,  i ;  bathed, 
clean,  need  daily  cleansing  from  daily 
defilement,  10 ;  call  Jesus  Master  and 
Lord,  13 ;  should  walk  as  He  walked, 
14;  should  do  to  one  another  as  He 
has  done  to  us,  15;  should  "wash 
one  another's  feet"  with  the  Word; 
perform  most  menial  services;  are 
no  greater  than  their  Lord ;  should 
desire  nothing  higher  than  He  had, 
assume  no  dignity  He  discarded  and 


be  above  no  services  He  performed; 
will  find  their  blessedness  not  in 
knowing  but  in  doing,  17,  and  in 
lowly  service. 

J.    Peter. 

His  imagined  humility  but  real  pride, 
6,  8;  failure  to  understand  the  mean- 
ing of  Jesus'  acts,  7;  failure  to  pon- 
der the  meaning  of  Jesus'  words,  9; 
talking  when  he  ought  to  have  been 
thinking,  8,  9;  promise  of  future 
understanding,  7;  prompt  repentance, 
9- 

4.     Judas  Iscariot: 

Unclean,  10,  II ;  opened  his  heart  to 
the  devil's  suggestions,  2;  betrayed 
his  Master  and  Lord,  2,  11;  the  ob- 
ject of  Christ's  lowly  and  loving  of- 
fices, 5,  ID. 


LESSON  120. 

Jesus  Predicts  That  One  of  the  Twelve  Should  Betray  Him  and  Another 

Deny  Him.     John  13:18-38.     (Compare  Matthew  26:21-25; 

Mark  14:18-21;  Luke  22:21-23.) 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE    FACTS. 

J.  "Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  yon,  one  of 
you  shall  betray  Me,"  vv.  18-30. 

What  was  one  of  the  bitterest  drops  in 
the  cup  of  agony  that  Jesus  had  to  drink 
(v.  18)  ?  Where  had  this  betrayal  by  one  of 
the  innermost  circle  of  His  chosen  friends 
been  predicted?  (Ps.  41:9;  55:12-14.) 
What  was  Jesus'  purpose  in  foretelling  this 
betrayal  to  His  disciples  (v.  19;  compare 
14:29)?  What  was  it  that  Jesus  desired 
that  the  disciples  should  believe  about  Him 
(v.  19)  ?  What  is  meant  by  the  words, 
"That  I  am  He"?  (Is.  43:10;  Mai.  3:1; 
Matt.   11:3;   compare  c.    1:15;   8:24;    Rev. 


1:17,  18.)  Is  it  important  that  we  should 
believe  that  Jesus  is  He?  (John  8:24.) 
Who  in  the  Old  Testament  says,  "I  am 
He"?  (Is.  43:10  A.R.V.)  Whom  then  does 
Jesus  claim  to  be  by  saying,  "I  am  He"? 
When  we  receive  one  whom  Jesus  sends, 
whom  do  we  really  receive  (v.  20)  ?  When 
we  receive  Jesus,  whom  do  we  receive  (v. 
20;  compare  12:49)?  What  effect  upon 
Jesus  had  the  contemplation  of  His  coming 
betrayal  by  Judas,  His  friend  (v.  21)  ?  Did 
Jesus  love  Judas?  How  does  His  love  for 
Judas  come  out  in  v.  21  ?  With  what  emo- 
tion did  Jesus  utter  the  words  recorded  in 
V.  21?  Is  Jesus  ever  betrayed  today  by 
those  whom  He  loves  ?    With  what  feelings 


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did  the  disciples  hear  the  words  of  Jesus  (v. 

22)  ?  Had  there  been  anything  in  Judas' 
outward  actions  that  gave  the  disciples  to 
know  at  once  that  Judas  would  be  the  be- 
trayer? 

Is  it  possible  for  us  to  tell  who  of  the 
present  professed  disciples  of  Jesus  in  com- 
ing years  will  betray  their  Lord?  What  did 
each  one  of  the  disciples  ask  regarding  the 
betrayer?  (Matt.  26:22.)  What  does  this 
question  reveal?  Is  it  possible  for  us  to- 
day to  discern  in  ourselves  the  possibility 
of  betraying  the  Lord?  Was  there  any 
difference  in  the  way  in  which  Judas  asked 
"Is  it  I,"  from  the  way  in  which  the  others 
asked  it?  (Matt.  26:22,  25.)  What  did 
Judas  display  by  asking  the  question?  Who 
had  the  seat  of  honor  at  the  table  (v.  23)  ? 
Is  the  name  given  in  this  gospel?  Why  not? 
If  many  modern  Christians  had  been  writ- 
ing this  book,  would  they  have  omitted  their 
name  in  this  way?  While  omitting  his  own 
name,  whose  name  does  John  mention  (v. 
24)  ?  Is  it  any  proof  of  the  genuineness  of 
this  Gospel  that  the  name  of  John,  the 
apostle,  is  not  mentioned  in  it?  How  does 
John  speak  of  himself  in  this  passage   (v. 

23)  ?  Is  that  a  title  of  much  honor?  Did 
Jesus  love  John  in  a  way  in  which  He  did 
not  love  the  other  disciples?  What  question 
did  John  ask  of  Jesus  (v.  25)  ?  What  was 
Jesus'  answer?  By  this  answer  did  Jesus 
point  out  to  the  other  disciples  who  the  be- 
trayer was  (vv.  28,  29)  ?  What  is  the  point 
of  the  answer  in  v.  26?  What  was  Jesus' 
purpose  in  giving  that  sop  at  that  time  to 
Judas?  Had  Jesus  made  any  other  at- 
tempts to  recall  Judas  from  his  awful  pur- 
pose? Did  this  last  attempt  succeed?  What 
happened  at  that  moment  (v.  27)  ?  Why 
did  Satan  enter  into  the  heart  of  Judas? 
If  our  hearts  are  closed  to  Jesus,  to  whom 
are  they  always  open?  If  we  do  not  re- 
spond to  Jesus'  kindness   what  will   Satan 


do?  When  this  last  attempt  failed,  what 
did  Jesus  say  to  Judas?  What  did  Judas  do 
immediately  after  taking  that  which  the  lov- 
ing hand  of  Jesus  reached  out  to  him? 
With  what  significant  words  does  v.  30  end? 

2.  "Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  the 
cock  shall  not  crow  until  thou  hast  denied 
Me  thrice,"  vv.  31-38. 

With  the  going  forth  of  Judas  to  get  his 
band  to  arrest  Jesus,  what  does  Jesus  Him- 
self see  approaching  (v.  31)?  Was  the 
death  of  Jesus  a  "lifting  up"  in  any  other 
sense  than  merely  the  lifting  up  on  the 
cross?  (c.  12:31,  32;  Phil.  2:8-11.)  Through 
what  did  the  glory  of  the  Son  of  man  come 
(vv.  31,  32)  ?  Through  what  must  our  glory 
come  (Ro.  8:17)?  In  Jesus  being  thus 
glorified,  who  was  glorified  in  Him  (v.  31)  ? 
As  Jesus  now  feels  that  His  stay  with  His 
disciples  is  fast  drawing  to  a  close,  what 
does  He  leave  them  (v.  34)  ?  What  was  the 
new  commandment  that  He  left  them? 
Was  the  law  of  love  a  new  law  (Matt. 
22 :37-4o)  ?  How  did  Jesus'  law  of  love 
differ  from  Moses'  law  of  love?  (v.  34; 
compare  Matt.  22:3-9.)  What  should  be  the 
measure  of  our  love  to  one  another  (v.  34 
R.  v.;  compare  i  John  3:14,  16-18)?  By 
what  test  shall  men  know  the  true  disciples 
of  Jesus  Christ  (v.  35)  ?  What  question  did 
Simon  Peter  ask  of  Jesus  (v.  36)  ?  Why 
did  Peter  wish  to  know  whither  the  Lord 
was  going?  What  was  the  Lord's  answer 
(v.  36)  ?  What  did  Simon  Peter  reveal  at 
this  time  (vv.  2)7,  38)  ?  Who  today  is  equal- 
ly ignorant  of  his  own  heart?  What  did 
Peter  say  that  he  was  ready  to  do  ?  Did  the 
time  ever  come  when  Peter  was  ready  to  lay 
down  his  life  for  Jesus'  sake?  What  does 
Jesus  tenderly  reveal  to  Simon  Peter? 
Must  Jesus  ever  thus  expose  our  well-mean- 
ing but  shallow  professions  of  consecration 
and  love? 


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279 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    God  the  Father: 

He  sent  Jesus  Christ,  20;  glorified  Jesus 
Christ  in  Himself,  z^;  was  glorified 
in  Jesus  Christ,  31,  32. 
?.     Jcsiis  Christ: 
(i.)     What  He  is: 
Divine,  19;  compare  Is.  43:10;  human, 
31,  36;  subordinate  of  the  Father,  21, 
31,  32. 
(2.)     His  character: 
Loving,  21,  34;  gentle,  21,  38;  persistent, 
26;  sensitive,  21. 
(3.)     How  He  was  treated: 
Betrayed    by    one    of    the    twelve,    21 ; 
denied  by  another,  38 ;  glorified  by  the 
Father,  31,  32. 
(4.)    .How  to  treat  Him: 
Do  not  betray  Him,  21 ;   do  not  deny 
Him,  38;  believe  that  He  is  He,  19; 
receive  Him,  20. 
(5.)     His  law  for  His  disciples: 


Love  one  another  even  as  I  have  loved 
you,  34,  35. 

3.  The  Scriptures: 

Their  inspiration  and  certainty,  18. 

4.  Simon  Peter: 

Was  anxious  to  know  who  should  be- 
tray the  Lord,  24;  utterly  ignorant  of 
the  weakness  of  his  own  heart,  36, 
37;  boasted  of  his  own  loyalty  to 
Christ,  Z7;  utterly  failed  in  the  hour 
of  trial,  35;  denied  his  Lord  thrice, 
38. 

5.  Judas  Iscariot: 

Had  the  privilege  of  the  closest  intimacy 
with  Jesus  Christ,  18;  was  loved  by 
Jesus  Christ,  21 ;  Jesus  would  not  give 
him  up  until  the  last  moment,  26,  27; 
resisted  all  Jesus'  attempts  to  save 
him,  26,  27;  Satan  entered  into  him, 
27;  knowing  that  he  had  already 
made  arrangements  for  the  betrayal 
of  the  Lord,  still  with  brazen  effront- 
ery asked,  "Is  it  I,  Rabbi?"  Matt. 
26 125. 


LESSON  12L 

Thoughts  for  the   Comfort  of  Jesus'   Disciples   During   the   Absence   of 

Their  Lord.     John   14:1-15. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.    Peace  by  believing  in  Jesus,  vv.  1-6. 

With  what  words  does  this  chapter  begin? 
With  what  words  does  it  close?  (v.  27.) 
What  then,  is  the  general  purpose  of  the 
chapter?  Why  did  Jesus  say  to  His  disci- 
ples, "Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled"?  Had 
they  any  seemingly  good  excuse  for  being 
troubled?  Does  Jesus  wish  His  disciples 
ever  to  be  troubled?  (Mark  18:7;  Phil. 
4:6;  I  Peter  3:14.)  Is  there  any  promise  in 
the  Word  of  God  to  meet  every  possible 


emergency  that  may  arise  in  the  life  of  a 
child  of  God?  (Phil.  4:19;  Ro.  8:28,  32.) 
What  does  Jesus  propose  in  v.  i  as  a  cure 
for  troubled  hearts?  How  does  the  Ameri- 
can Standard  Revised  Version  render  that? 
Will  belief  in  God  and  in  Jesus  Christ  drive 
out  all  anxiety?  (Is.  26:3.)  What  does  it 
prove  then  when  we  are  anxious?  Does 
Jesus  wish  us  to  believe  in  Him?  How 
does  He  feel  when  we  do  not?  Does  He 
wish  us  to  believe  in  Him  with  the  same 
absolute  faith  we  do  in  God?  Is  there  any 
proof  in  this  that  Jesus  was  divine?     (Com- 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


pare  Jer.  17:5,  7.)  What  thought  troubled 
the  disciples  most?  What  thought  did 
Jesus  give  them  to  comfort  them  concern- 
ing this  separation?  Whither  was  He  go- 
ing? (c.  13:3.)  For  what  purpose  was  He 
going?  What  is  Jesus  doing  now?  Is  He 
only  preparing  heaven  for  us?  (Eph.  5:22- 
27.)  How  does  Jesus  prepare  the  place 
for  us?  (Heb.  9:21-26.)  Is  there  much 
room  in  heaven?  For  whom  is  there 
room?  Is  heaven  a  state  or  a  place? 
By  what  expression  in  v.  2  does  Christ's 
wondrous  care  for  His  disciples  come  out 
(v.  2)  ?  What  third  comforting  thought 
did  Jesus  give  them?  Did  Jesus  say  He 
would  send  for  them?  To  what  coming  of 
the  Lord  does  this  promise  refer?  (Com- 
pare carefully  the  three  parts  of  the  promise 
in  V.  3  with  the  three  parts  of  the  promise 
in  I  Thess.  4:16,  17).  Is  the  thought  of 
that  return  of  our  Lord,  which  may  be  very 
remote  as  men  reckon  time,  a  comforting 
thought  for  His  people?  (i  Thess.  4:17; 
Titus  2:13;  Is.  40:1,  9,  10.)  What  is  the  one 
thought  constantly  advanced  in  the  Bible 
for  the  comfort  of  God's  people?  (i  Thess. 
4:17;  Titus  2:13;  Rev.  22:20;  Is.  40:1,  9,  10 
etc.  etc.)  Is  that  the  one  thought  empha- 
sized in  modern  teaching  and  preaching  for 
the  comfort  of  God's  children?  What  did 
Jesus  say  He  was  coming  for?  Did  He  say 
to  receive  them  unto  heaven?  Why  does 
He  wish  to  receive  us  "unto  Himself" f  Do 
we  wish  to  be  where  He  is?  What  is  the 
believer's  brightest  thought  of  heaven? 
(Phil.  1 :23  R.  v.;  2  Cor.  5:8.)  Does  Jesus 
wish  us  to  be  where  He  is?  (John  17:24.) 
Do  we  most  wish  to  be  there  or  He  to  have 
us  there?  How  long  are  we  to  be  with 
Him?  (i  Thess.  4:i7-)  Was  there  enough 
in  these  three  opening  verses  to  drive  the 
anxiety  out  of  the  hearts  of  Jesus'  troubled 
disciples  if  they  had  really  taken  it  in?     Is 


there  enough  in  them  if  we  really  take  it 
in  to  drive  the  anxiety  out  of  the  hearts  no 
matter  what  arises?  What  fourth  com- 
forting thought  did  Jesus  give  them  (v.  4 
R.  V.)?  What  was  the  way?  The  way 
whither  (v.  4;  compare  13:3;  15:28)?  If, 
then,  we  wish  to  get  to  God,  what  way  must 
we  take?  How  many  can  take  that  way? 
(John  10:9;  ^-S?-)  How  many  men  can 
get  to  God  by  some  other  way?  How  is 
Jesus  the  way  (i — Eph.  2:13,  18;  Heb.  10; 
19,  20;  2— Matt.  11:27;  John  17:3;  3 — Heb. 
1:1-3;  4 — the  remainder  of  the  verse)? 
What  is  He  besides  the  way?  What  did 
He  mean  by  saying,  "I  am  the  truth"?  If 
we  wish  then  to  know  the  truth,  whom  must 
we  know?  (Compare  Col.  2:3.)  What  else 
is  He?  Did  He  merely  say,  "I  give  the 
life"?  If  we  wish,  then,  to  see  what  life  is, 
at  whom  must  we  look?  (i  John  Ij2.)  If 
we  wish  to  get  life,  whom  must  we  get?  (i 
John  5:11,  12.)  Outside  of  Him  what  is 
there  ? 

2.  Knowledge  of  God  by  believing  in 
Jesus,  vv.  7-11. 

If  we  know  Jesus,  whom  do  we  know? 
Why  do  we  know  the  Father  when  we  know 
Him?  (Col.  1:15;  Heb.  1:3;  Col.  2:9.)  Is 
there  any  way  to  fully  know  God  without 
knowing  Jesus  Christ?  (Matt.  11 127.)  Had 
the  disciples  up  to  this  time  truly  known 
Jesus?  Are  there  any  today  who  are  wise 
and  scholarly  and  who  even  study  the  Bible 
and  yet  do  not  know  Jesus?  If  they  do  not 
know  Him,  whom  else  do  they  not  know? 
How  alone  can  we  truly  know  Jesus  ?  (John 
15:26;  16:14;  Matt.  16:17.)  What  appeal 
did  Philip  make  to  Jesus  at  this  point  in  the 
conversation?  What  was  Jesus'  answer? 
Is  that  view  of  God  which  we  get  in  Jesus 
as  full  as  that  which  Moses  and  the  seventy 
elders    had    (Ex.    24:10),    and    that    which 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


281 


Isaiah  had?  (Isa.  6.)  How  did  Jesus  ex- 
press His  astonishment  at  Philip's  blind- 
ness? Was  it  not  strange  that  they  could 
have  been  with  Him  all  these  years  and  not 
know  Him?  Is  our  blindness  to  the  Father 
as  revealed  in  Jesus  any  less  astonishing? 
Do  men  today  ever  long  for  a  vision  of 
Him  in  Jesus?  If  the  words,  "he  that  hath 
seen  me,  hath  seen  the  Father,"  are  not  the 
words  of  a  divine  being,  of  what  sort  of  a 
being  are  they  the  words?  If  we  wish  to 
see  God,  what  is  all  that  we  have  to  do? 
By  what  words  does  Jesus  express  the  dis- 
tinction of  personality  and  unity  of  being 
between  Himself  and  the  Father  (v.  lo)  ? 
To  what  two  proofs  did  Jesus  appeal  to 
show  that  He  was  in  the  Father  and  the 
Father  in  Him?  Whose  words  were  Jesus' 
words?  Whose  works  were  Jesus'  works? 
What  do  the  works  and  words  of  Jesus 
prove  Him  to  be  (v.  ii)  ?  What  did  Jesus 
next  appeal  to  His  disciples  to  do?  Is  it 
important  that  we  believe  that?  (i  John  5: 
i-S;  John  20:31.)  Upon  what  ground  first 
did  He  demand  that  His  disciples  should 
believe  this?  If  they  will  not  believe  His 
bare  testimony,  to  what  does  He  appeal? 
Which  is  better,  to  accept  it  on  the  simple 
testimony  of  Jesus,  or  upon  the  testimony 
of  the  seen  works?  (John  20:27.)  What 
if  one  refuses  to  believe  on  either  ground? 
(John  8:24;  3:18,  19.) 

3.  Power  by  believing  on  Jesus,  vv.  12- 
15- 

Having  urged  His  disciples  to  faith  in 
Himself,  what  did  Jesus  say  would  be  the 
result  of  that  faith?  What  works  of  His 
does  Jesus  refer  to  when  He  says :  "He 
that  believeth  on  Me  the  works  that  I  do 
shall  he  do  also"?  (See  vv.  10,  11.)  Who 
will  do  these  works?  Why  is  it  that  faith 
in  Jesus  Christ  enables  us  to  do  His  works  ? 
(Phil.  4:13  R.  V.)     Did  those  who  believed 


on  Him  actually  do  His  works?  (Acts  2-^- 
8;  8:7;  4:9-12,  16,  Z2>\  9:34-40;  16:18;  6:8.) 
Why  is  it  in  many  instances  that  we  fail 
to  do  His  works?  (Matt.  17:19,  20.) 
What  better  promise  is  there  in  the  v.  12 
than  that  we  shall  do  His  works?  What  are 
these  "greater  works"?  (Acts  2:9-11,  41; 
4:4.)  Why  was  it  that  greater  works  were 
to  be  done?  (Compare  John  7:39;  17:7;  Acts 
2:3^.)  What  further  promise  did  Jesus 
make  His  disciples?  Is  there  any  connec- 
tion between  the  power  in  prayer  promised 
in  V.  13  and  the  power  for  service  promised 
in  V.  12?  How  much  can  we  get  by  ask- 
ing? How  must  we  ask?  What  is  it  to 
ask  in  His  name?  (v.  6;  Eph.  2:13,  18;  Heb. 
10:19-22.)  How  much  will  we  get  if  we 
ask  in  our  own  name?  Is  this  promise 
made  to  every  one?  Who  are  the  "Ye's" 
to  whom  the  promise  is  made?  (v.  15;  c. 
15:7;  I  John  3:22.)  What  did  Jesus  say 
He  would  do  in  answer  to  this  prayer  in 
His  name?  (Compare  i  John  5:15.)  What 
is  the  purpose  for  which  the  thing  asked  is 
done?  When,  then,  we  offer  to  God  a 
prayer  in  Jesus'  name,  that  He  can  grant, 
what  do  we  give  the  Father  an  opportunity 
to  do?  What  ought  to  be  our  first  object 
in  asking  the  thing  (14)  ?  In  what  different 
form  did  Jesus  repeat  this  promise?  Why 
did  He  make  this  promise  in  this  two-fold 
form?  Having  told  what  He  would  do  for 
those  who  believe  in  Him  what  did  Jesus 
next  tell  (v.  15)  ?  Which  is  more  impor- 
tant, that  we  know  what  Jesus  will  do  for 
those  who  believe  in  Him,  or  that  we  know 
what  those  who  love  Him  will  do  for  Him? 
What  change  does  the  Revised  Version 
make  in  v.  15?  What  is  the  one  proof  of 
love  to  Jesus?  How  many  of  His  com- 
mandments will  we  keep  if  we  love  Him? 
Does  "keeping"  His  commandments  mean 
any    more    than    "doing"    His    command- 


282 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


ments?  If  there  is  any  one  of  Jesus'  com- 
mandments which  we  are  not  guarding  as 
a  precious  treasure,  what  does  it  show? 
Is  it  important  to  have  Jesus?  (i  Cor. 
16:24.)  Is  there  any  connection  be- 
tween the  wonderful  promises  of  vv.  12-14 
and  V.  15?  Can  the  faith  that  gets  what  it 
asks  be  separated  from  the  love  that  obeys 
what  Jesus  commands?  (Compare  i  John 
3 :22.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  The  Father: 

Has  a  large  house  into  which  to  wel- 
come all  His  children,  2;  can  be  ap- 
proached only  through  Jesus,  6;  can 
be  known  and  seen  in  Jesus  7-9;  He 
is  in  Jesus  and  Jesus  in  Him,  10,  11; 
speaks  in  Jesus,  10;  works  in  Jesus, 
10;  abides  in  Jesus,  10;  is  glorified  in 
Jesus,  13. 

2.  Jesus: 

(I.)     What  He  is: 

Divine,  i,  7,  9,  10;  human,  10,  12;  the 
way,  6;  the  truth,  6;  the  life,  6. 
(2.)     Jesus  and  the  Father: 

Distinction  of  persons,  unity  of  being, 
10,  11;  Jesus  in  the  Father  and  the 
Father  in  Him,  10,  11;  Jesus  is  the 
perfect  revelation  of  the  Father,  7,  9; 
Jesus  went  to  the  Father,  12. 
(3.)     Jesus  and  His  disciples: 

Not  understood  by  His  disciples  until 
Pentecost,  5,  7,  8,  9;  amazed  at  His 
disciples'  blindness,  9 ;  is  unwilling 
that  His  disciples  be  troubled  in 
heart,  i ;  comforts  His  disciples,  i- 
14;  hides  nothing  from  His  disciples 
which  they  ought  to  know,  2;  He 
went  away  from  His  disciples,  2;  He 
went  away  for  the  sake  of  His  dis- 
ciples— "to  prepare  a  place,"  etc.,  2; 
He  is   coming  again  to   receive   His 


disciples  unto  Himself,  3;  wishes  His 
disciples  to  be  with  Him,  3;  answers 
His  disciples"  prayers,  13,  14;  does  for 
them  anything  they  ask  in  His  name 
when  they  love  and  obey,  13,  14,  com- 
pare 15;  I  John  3:22. 

3.  Believers: 

(l.)     Their  comfort: 

There  is  a  place  for  them  in  the  Fath- 
er's house,  2;  Jesus  is  preparing  the 
place  for  their  reception,  2;  Jesus  is 
coming  after  them,  3;  Jesus  will  re- 
ceive them  unto  Himself,  3;  they  will 
be  where  He  is,  3. 
(2.)     Their  privilege : 

To  be  free  from  all  anxiety,  i ;  to  know 
and  see  the  Father,  7-9;  to  do  Jesus' 
works,  12;  to  do  greater  works  than 
He  did,  12;  to  get  whatsoever  they 
ask  in  His  name,  13,  14. 
(3.)     What  they  ought  to  do: 

Believe  in  God,  i ;  believe  in  Jesus,  i ; 
believe  Jesus,  11 ;  love  Jesus,  15;  keep 
Jesus'  commandments,  15;  dismiss  all 
anxiety,  i. 

4.  Faith: 

(i.)     In  whom  to  believe: 

God,  I ;  Jesus,  i,  11. 
(2.)     What  to  believe : 
What  Jesus  says,   11;  that  Jesus  is  in 
the  Father  and  the  Father  in  Him,  11. 
(3.)     Why  believe: 
Because  Jesus  commands  it,  i,  11;  for 
the  Word's  sake,  10;  for  the  work's 
sake,  II. 
(4.)     The  effect  of  faith: 
Anxiety  banished,  i ;  God  known,  9,  10; 
power  received,  12. 

5.  Prayer: 

(i.)     Who  has  a  right  to  pray,  "Ye,"  13, 

14;  compare  15;  i  John  3:22. 
(2.)     To  whom  to  pray: 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


283 


The  Father,  13 ;  Jesus,  14  R.  V. 
(3.)     The  result  of  praying  aright : 

We  receive  "whatsoever"  and  "any- 
thing" we  ask,  13,  14;  the  Father  is 
glorified  in  the  Son,  14. 


Heaven: 

A  place,  2;  a  roomy  place,  2;  where 
Jesus  is,  3;  Jesus  is  preparing  it,  2, 
compare  Heb.  9:21-24;  He  will  take 
us  there,  3. 


LESSON  122. 

Further  Thoughts  for  the  Comfort  of  Jesus'  Disciples  During  the  Absence 

of  Their  Lord.     John  14:15-27. 

was    this    new    Comforter    to    abide    with 
them?    Why  did  Jesus  mention  that?    What 
was  the  name  of  this  new  Friend?     (15:26; 
16:13;  I  John  4:6.)     Why  is  He  so  named? 
(John  16:13;  I  Cor.  2:11,  14.)     What  atti- 
tude  toward   this   divine   Friend   does   the 
world    take?      (Compare    John    1:10,   11.) 
Why    does    not    the    world    receive    Him? 
Where  had  the  world  had  a  chance  to  be- 
hold the  Spirit?     If  we  want  the  Spirit  in 
ourselves,  where  must  we  first  behold  Him? 
(2  Cor.  3:18.)     Who  does  know  the  Spirit? 
Why   does   the   true   believer    know    Him? 
In  whom  had  He  abode  zvith  them?    What 
was  He  going  to  do?     (Compare  Ro.  8:9.) 
What  did  it  look  as  if  the  disciples  would 
be,  if  Jesus  left  them   (v.  18)  ?    With  what 
promise  does  He  meet  that  dreary  prospect? 
(See  margin  and  compare  13:33.)     Was  it 
merely  the  coming  of  the  Spirit  that  was  to 
prevent  their  being  orphans?    To  what  com- 
ing does  this  refer  (vv.  17,  21,  23)  ?    How  is 
the    coming    of    the    Spirit    a    coming    of 
Christ?      (John   16:14;    Gal.  4:19.)      What 
further  privilege  were  the  disciples  to  have 
which  the  world  was  not?     To   what  be- 
holding does  this  refer  (vv.  20,  21)  ?   What 
goes  along  with  the  beholding  of   Christ? 
What  makes  it  sure  the  believer  will  live? 
(Compare  11 :25,  26.)    What  blessed  knowl- 
edge were  the  disciples  to  have  in  that  day 
(v.  20)  ?    How  do  we  know  that  ?     ( i  John 
3:24;  4:13.)      Were  they  merely  to  guess 
so,  or  think  so,  or  believe  so? 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  "//  ye  love  Me,  ye  will  keep  My  com- 
mandments," vv.  15-24. 

What  change  does  the  R.  V.  make  in  v. 
15?  What  is  the  one  proof  of  love  to 
Jesus?  How  many  of  His  commandments 
will  we  keep  if  we  love  Him?  If  we  know 
some  commandment  of  His  which  we  are 
not  keeping,  what  does  it  prove?  Is  it  im- 
portant to  love  Jesus?  (i  Cor.  16:22.) 
Does  it  say,  "If,  etc.  j^e  will  obey  my  com- 
mandment"? What  does  "keep"  mean?  Is 
there  any  connection  between  the  promises 
of  vv.  12-14  and  v.  15?  (Compare  i  John 
3 :22,  the  enjoyment  of  God's  promises 
goes  hand  in  hand  with  obedience  to  His 
commandments.)  Can  the  faith  that  re- 
ceives all  God  has  be  separated  from  the 
love  that  obeys  all  God  says?  What  did 
Jesus  say  He  would  do  if  they  really  loved 
Him  and  showed  their  love  by  keeping  His 
commandments?  Upon  what  is  receiving 
the  Spirit  conditioned?  (Compare  Acts 
5:32.)  What  does  "Comforter"  mean? 
How  doe's  He  help?  (John  16:13;  14:26; 
Ro.  8:26;  Acts  8:29;  11:11,  12;  16:6,  7; 
Matt.  10:18-20;  Acts  4:8;  6:10.)  Why  does 
He  say  "another"  helper?  In  answer  to 
what  was  the  Spirit  to  come?  Who  was  to 
send  Him?     (John  15:26.) 

Is    there   any   proof   of   the    divinity   of 
Christ  in  the  use  of  "another"?    How  long 


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\VTiat  is  the  result  of  our  loving  Christ 
(v.  2i)?  Does  this  mean  that  love  begins 
with  us  and  God  does  not  love  us  until  we 
love  His  Son?  (i  John  3  :i6;  4:19.)  How 
much  does  the  Father  love  those  who  love 
His  Son?  (John  17:23.)  How  will  Christ 
show  His  love?  Did  the  disciples  under- 
stand yet  how  Jesus  was  to  manifest  Him- 
self to  them  and  not  to  the  world?  Why 
not?  What  had  Jesus  given  the  disciples 
besides  the  promise?  What  ought  they  to 
have  busied  themselves  about,  performing 
the  duty  or  asking  "how"  about  the  prom- 
ised reward?  Is  it  characteristic  of  men, 
when  God  gives  a  promise,  to  go  asking 
"how"  instead  of  fulfilling  the  condition? 
Did  Jesus  tell  Judas  "how"  (v.  23)  He 
would  manifest  Himself?  What  did  He  tell 
him  practically?  What  change  is  there  in 
the  mode  of  expressing  the  way  in  which 
love  reveals  itself  in  v.  23?  Why  use  the 
word  "word"  (R.  V.)  instead  of  com- 
mandment? Why  "word",  not  "words"? 
What  advance  is  there  in  the  promise? 
Who  will  make  their  abode  with  us?  Who 
is  it  makes  the  Father  and  Son  to  dwell  in 
us?  Who  are  the  "we"?  Is  there  any  proof 
here  of  the  deity  of  Jesus  in  the  way  which 
Jesus  couples  Himself  with  the  Father? 
(Compare  Rev.  7-'i^5-'^7;  22:3.)  What  is 
the  proof  that  men  do  not  love  God  ?  Sup- 
pose we  are  not  conscious  of  any  great  in- 
tensity of  feeling  in  our  attitude  toward 
Jesus  but  we  obey  Him,  what  does  that 
prove?  How  does  Jesus  bring  out  the  ser- 
iousness of  rejecting  His  word? 

2.    "Peace  I  leave  with  you"  vv.  25-27. 

How  were  they  to  be  enabled  to  keep  His 
sayings?  What  new  name  is  given  to  the 
Comforter  here?  Why  Holy  Ghost?  Who 
was  to  send  this  Comforter?  In  whose  name 
are  we  to  ask  Him?  In  whose  name  does 
God  send  Him?    What  would  He  do  when 


He  came?  Had  Christ  taught  them  all 
things?  (16:12.)  Who  was  He  to  teach? 
Did  the  Apostles  receive  "all  the  truth"? 
Is  there  anything  to  be  added  then  to  their 
teaching?  Was  it  only  the  twelve  Apostles 
who  were  given  to  have  the  teaching  of  the 
Holy  Spirit?  (i  John  2  :20,  27.)  What  else 
was  the  Holy  Ghost  to  do  ?  Have  we  in  the 
Gospels  the  mere  human  recollection  of  the 
Apostles  of  what  Jesus  said?  How  accurate 
is  it  then?  What  final  thought  for  their 
comfort  did  Jesus  give  them  (v.  27)  ?  What 
was  Christ's  legacy  to  His  disciples?  What 
peace  did  He  give?  What  does  "My  peace" 
mean?  How  is  this  to  be  gotten?  Did  it 
mean  they  would  have  no  conflict  or  tribu- 
lation? (16:33;  2  Tim.  3:12.)  Whose  giv- 
ing does  Christ  contrast  with  His  own? 
How  does  His  giving  differ  from  the 
world's  ? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  The  Father. 

Sent  the  Son,  24;  sent  the  Spirit  in  the 
Son's  name,  26;  gives  the  Spirit  in 
answer  to  the  Son's  prayer,  16;  gives 
the  Spirit  to  those  who  love  the  Son, 
IS,  16;  loves  those  who  love  His  Son, 
21,  23;  comes  to  those  who  love  His 
Son,  23;  makes  His  abode  with  those 
who  love  His  Son,  23. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  nature: 

Divine,  16,  23;  human,  16. 

(2)  Jesus  and  the  Father: 
Subordinate    to,    16;    Jesus    is    in    the 

Father,  20 ;  Jesus  prays  to  the  Father, 
16;  Jesus  is  heard  by  the  Father,  16; 
Jesus  speaks  the  words  of  the  Father, 

24- 

(3)  Jesus  and  His  disciples : 

Is  unwilling  that  His  disciples  be 
troubled  in  heart,  27;  comforts  His 
disciples,  15-27;  He  is  coming  again 
to  His  disciples  in  the  Spirit's  com- 


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285 


ing  to  be  with  them,  i8 ;  will  not  leave 
His  disciples  orphans,  i8;  is  seen  by 
His  disciples  even  during  His  bodily 
absence,  19;  is  in  His  disciples,  20; 
His  disciples  are  in  Him,  20; 
He  lives  and  His  disciples  live  by 
Him,  19;  leaves  His  own  peace  as 
His  parting  legacy  to   His  disciples, 

(4)  Jesus  and  the  Spirit : 

Prays  for  the  Spirit,  16;  the  Spirit  sent 
in  His  name,  26;  manifested  by  the 
Spirit,  21 ;  comes  through  the  Spirit, 
18. 

(5)  Jesus  and  those  who  love  Him: 

He  prays  for  them,  16;  loves  them..  21; 
manifests  Himself  to  them,  21 ;  comes 
unto  them,  23 ;  makes  His  abode  with 
them,  23. 

(6)  Jesus  and  the  world  • 

Not  recognized  by  the  world,   19;  not 
like  the  world,  27. 
S.     The  Spirit. 
(i)     His  names : 
The    Spirit    of    Truth,    17;    the    Holy 
Spirit,  26. 

(2)  The  Spirit  and  the  Father: 

Is  given  by  the  Father,  16;  is  sent  by 
the  Father,  26. 

(3)  The  Spirit  and  the  Son: 

Is  given  in  answer  to  the  prayer  of  the 
Son,  16;  is  sent  in  the  Son's  name, 
26;  is  given  to  those  who  love  and 
obey  the  Son,  15,  16,  26;  compare  21- 
24;  brings  the  words  of  the  Son  to 
remembrance,  26. 

(4)  The  Spirit  of  the  believer: 

The  Spirit  does  for  the  believer  what 
Jesus  did  while  with  them  in  the  flesh, 
16;  abides  with  the  believer  forever, 
16,  17;  is  in  believers,  17;  is  known 
by  believers,  17. 


(5)  The  Spirit  and  the  world: 

The  world  does  not  behold  Him,  17; 
does  not  know  Him,  17;  cannot  re- 
ceive Him,  17. 

(6)  His  offices: 

A  present  helper,  16;  a  perfect  teacher 
of  all  truth,  26;  a  perfect  remem- 
brancer of  all  Christ's  sayings,  26. 

4.  Believers. 

(i)  Their  comfort: 
They  have  another  Comforter  and 
Friend  during  Christ's  absence,  16; 
this  Friend  is  with  them  always,  16; 
is  in  them,  17;  Jesus  is  with  them, 
18;  the  Father  and  the  Son  come  to 
dwell  with  them  as  a  preparation  for 
their  going  to  dwell  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  2t,  ;  they  are  loved  by 
the  Father  and  the  Son,  21;  Christ's 
life  is  a  guarantee  of  theirs,  19. 

(2)  Their  privileges : 

To  have  Christ's  own  peace,  27;  know 
the  Holy  Spirit,  17;  have  the  Spirit, 
16;  have  the  Spirit  abiding  with  them, 
16;  have  the  Spirit  abiding  in  them, 
17;  see  Christ,  19;  be  in  Christ,  20; 
have  Christ  in  them,  20;  have  the 
Father  and  the  Son  abiding  with  them, 
23 ;  live  because  Christ  lives,  19. 

(3)  What  they  know: 

They  know  the  Holy  Spirit,  17;  that 
Jesus  is  in  the  Father,  20;  that  they 
are  in  Christ  Jesus,  20;  that  Christ 
Jesus  is  in  them,  20. 

(4)  What  they  ought  to  do : 

Love  Jesus,  15,  21,  22,;  keep  His  com- 
mandments, 15;  hold  His  command- 
ments, 21 ;  keep  His  word,  23 ;  never 
be  troubled,  27. 

5.  Three  stages  of  love  and  three  degrees 
of  promise. 

(r)     Keep  My  commandments: 
The  Spirit  of  truth  given,  15,  16. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


(2)     Hath  My  commandments  and  keep- 
eth: 

Loved  of  My  Father,  I  will  love  Him, 
I  vi^ill  manifest  Myself  unto  Him,  21. 


(3)     Keep  My  word: 
Father  will  love  Him,  we  will  come  un- 
to Him,  we  will  make  our  abode  with 
Him,   21. 


LESSON  123. 
I  Am  the  True  Vine,  and  My  Father  Is  the  Husbandman."    John  15:1-17. 

husbandman?  Is  this  cleansing  process  al- 
ways agreeable?  When  we  shrink  from  it, 
with  what  thought  ought  we  to  strengthen 
and  comfort  ourselves?  How  then  ought  we 
to  regard  it?  How  is  this  cleansing  prin- 
cipally effected  (vv.  2,  3,  R.  V.)  ?  If, 
then,  we  desire  the  largest  measure  of 
fruitfulness,  with  what  should  we  bring 
our  lives   in    constant   contact  ?     Has    God 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.     Abundance    of    fruit    by    abiding    in 
Christ,  vv.  J-8. 

Under  what  figure  did  Jesus  set  forth  His 
relation  to  His  disciples  ?  What  is  the  cen- 
tral thought  of  this  figure?  What  is  the  re- 
lation of  the  Father  to  the  vine  and  its 
branches?  How,  then,  do  we  come  under 
the  Father's  especial  care  and  training? 
What  kind  of  care  will  such  an  husbandman 
bestow  upon  the  vine  and  its  branches?  Why 
did  Jesus  say  He  was  the  "true"  Vine?  (Ps. 
80:8.)  Is  it  by  being  united  with  the 
Church  that  we  have  life?  How  is  the  life 
and  nature  and  power  of  the  vine  manifested 
to  the  world?  How  is  the  life  and  nature 
and  power  of  Christ  manifested  to  the 
world?  What  is  the  distinguishing  charac- 
teristic of  a  true  branch?  What  is  the  dis- 
tinguishing characteristic  of  a  true  disciple 
of  Christ  (v.  8)?  What  is  the  fruit? 
(Gal.  5:22;  Phil.  i:ii;  i  John  2:6;  Ro. 
I  :i3;  Col.  i  :io  and  vv.  8,  16.)  Who  is  the 
final  judge  as  to  whether  we  bear  fruit  or 
not?  (Ro.  14:4.)  Ought  we  to  judge  our- 
selves? (i  Cor.  II  :3i.)  What  is  done  with 
the  branch  that  bears  no  fruit  (vv.  2,  6)  ? 
Does  this  branch  that  bears  no  fruit  and  is 
taken  away  represent  a  real  disciple  or  one 
who  has  merely  an  outward  and  no  vital 
connection  with  Christ?  (v.  8;  Matt.  7:20.) 
If  we  bear  fruit,  what  then?  For  what 
purpose  does  He  cleanse  us?  What,  then, 
may  we  expect  in  regard  to  our  fruitfulness 
as  we  remain  under  the  care  of  the  wise 


any  other  way  of  cleansing  the  branch  in 
order  to  increase  its  fruitfulness  than  by 
the  Word?  (Heb.  12:6,  11.)  Why  does 
God  sometimes  resort  to  this  severe  mode 
of  purging  the  branch?  What  did  Jesus 
mean  by  saying  "already  ye  are  clean"  (R. 
V.)?  Was  there  no  cleansing  still  to  be 
done?  (Compare  c.  13:10,  ir.)  What  is 
the  one  essential  condition  of  fruitfulness 
(vv.  4,  5)  ?  What  does  the  word  "abide" 
mean  (v.  16;  compare  Authorized  and  Re- 
vised Version)  ?  What  does  "abide  in  Me" 
mean?  Is  this  merely  a  privilege?  Can  we 
do  it?  What  is  absolutely  necessary,  if  we 
are  to  bear  fruit? 

Does  the  branch  receive  its  life  from  the 
vine  and  then  go  away  and  bear  fruit  by 
itself?  Can  we?  How  much  fruit  shall 
we  bear  apart  from  Christ?  Why  is  it  so 
many  of  us  are  unfruitful?  To  what  extent 
shall  we  bear  fruit?  What  will  result  to 
the  extent  we  try  to  live  independently  of 
Him  (think  our  own  thoughts  and  carry 
out  our  own  purposes')  ?  How  is  this  abid- 
ing, vital  union  with  Christ  maintained? 
(vv.  7.  10;  I  John  2:24,  R.  V.;  3:24,  R,  V.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


287 


When  we  abide  in  Him,  what  does  He  do 
(v.  5)  ?  What  is  the  inevitable  result  if  we 
abide  in  Him  and  He  in  us?  What,  then, 
is  the  sole  condition  of  fruitfulness?  Are 
not  education  and  natural  gifts  also  neces- 
sary for  "much  fruitfulness"?  Which  will 
bring  forth  the  most  fruit  for  God,  the  un- 
educated, untalented  man  who  abides  in 
Christ,  or  the  educated,  talented  man  who 
does  not  abide  in  Christ?  How  much  fruit 
will  every  one  who  abides  in  Him  bring 
forth?  How  much  apart  from  him?  What, 
then,  is  the  all-important  question  for  each 
of  us  to  put  to  himself?  Does  God  expect 
"much  fruit"  from  each  of  us?  How  much? 
(John  14:12,  13.)  Is  there  any  other  doom 
besides  that  of  unfruitfulness  awaiting  the 
one  who  does  not  abide  in  Christ?  Is  this 
thought  of  the  necessity  of  continuance 
found  elsewhere  in  the  New  Testament? 
(Matt.  24:13;  Acts  13:43;  14:22;  Ro. 
2:7;  11:22;  Col.  1:23;  I  Tim.  2:15;  4:16; 
2  Tim.  3:14;  Heb.  3:14;  8:9;  James  1:25.) 
Will  the  doom  indicated  in  v.  6  overtake 
anyone  who  ever  really  was  in  Christ?  (i 
John  2:19.) 

What  is  the  proof  that  we  really  are  in 
Him?  Are  there  any  tendencies  at  work  to 
draw  us  away  from  Him?  How  are  they 
overcome?  (Luke  24:40,  46;  Ps.  119:11.) 
What  else  results  from  abiding  in  Christ  (v. 
7)  ?  What  can  we  ask?  What  will  be  the 
result?  Suppose  our  prayer  is  not  accord- 
ing to  God's  will?  Is  there  any  connection 
between  this  power  in  prayer  resulting  from 
abiding  in  Christ  mentioned  in  v.  7  and 
the  fruitfulness  resulting  from  abiding  in 
Christ  mentioned  in  v.  5?  (Compare  c.  14: 
12,  13,  14.)  What  is  the  one  great  condi- 
tion of  prevailing  prayer?  (Compare  i  John 
3:22,  24.")  What  will  be  the  result  as  re- 
gards God  of  our  abiding  in  Christ  and 
consequently  bearing  much  fruit?     Is  that 


much  of  an  inducement  to  fruitfulness?  (i 
Cor.  6:20;  Matt.  5:16;  Phil.  i:ii;  i  Peter 
2:12.)  Why  is  God  glorified  by  our  fruit- 
fulness (v.  i)?  What  will  be  the  result  as 
regards  ourselves?  (Compare  John  8:31.) 
What  does  "disciple"  mean?  Why  will  a 
true  disciple  of  Christ  seek  to  glorify  God? 
(John  17:4-) 

2.  Fulness  of  joy  by  keeping  Christ's 
commandments,  vv.  9-16. 

What  did  Jesus  tell  those  who  were  abid- 
ing in  Him  that  His  feeling  toward  them 
was?  (v.  9,  R.  v.;  compare  Matt.  3:17; 
John  17:23.)  Does  Christ  love  His  disciples 
only?  Is  the  peculiar  love  He  bears  toward 
His  disciples  worth  having?  How  are  we  to 
show  our  appreciation  of  it?  (v.  9;  com- 
pare Jude  21.)  If  we  are  truly  His,  will  we 
not  abide  in  it?  Wherein,  then,  is  the 
need  of  bidding  us  to  abide  in  it?  How 
can  we  continue  in  that  love  (v.  10)  ?  Of 
what  is  our  keeping  His  commandments  a 
proof?  (c.  14:21,  23,  24.)  If  we  wish  to 
continue  in  His  love  what  must  we  do? 
What  does  disobedience  do?  Is  there  as 
much  blessing  in  obeying  the  command- 
ments as  in  appropriating  the  promises? 
What  was  Christ's  purpose  in  saying  all 
this?  What  joy  did  He  wish  them  to  have? 
What  does  "My  joy"  mean?  (Compare  c. 
14:27.)  Is  that  as  good  as  the  world's  joy? 
What  was  His  joy?  (c.  4:34.)  What 
would  be  the  result  of  their  having  His  joy? 
Where,  then,  can  we  get  fulness  of  joy? 
Can  we  get  it  anywhere  else?  What  is 
Christ's  commandment  which  we  must  keep 
if  we  would  abide  in  Him  and  have  fulness 
of  joy  (v.  12)  ?  What  is  the  measure  of  the 
love  He  requires  of  us?  (v.  12,  R.  V.;  com- 
pare John  10:18.)  What  does  He  mean  by 
saying  "this  is  My  commandment"?  (com- 
pare I  John  3:23.)  What  was  the  supreme 
proof   of  Christ's   love    (v.   13)  ?     Are  we 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


to  show  ours  in  the  same  way?  (i  John  3: 
16.)  Suppose  there  is  no  call  for  that  mani- 
festation of  our  love,  how,  then,  shall  we 
show  it?  (i  John  3:17.)  Is  it  not  greater 
love  to  lay  down  our  life  for  our  enemies? 

Is  it  a  privilege  to  be  a  friend  of  Jesus? 
(compare  James  2:23.)  What  is  necessary 
in  order  to  become  His  friend  (v.  14)  ?  Do 
zvhatF  (Matt.  12:50.)  Why  did  He  call 
them  friends  (v.  15)  ?  If  we  wish  to  enjoy 
the  same  confidence  of  Christ,  what  must 
we  do?  (Compare  v.  14  and  Ps.  25:14.) 
What  would  Jesus  no  longer  call  them? 
What  is  the  difiference  between  a  servant 
and  a  friend?  (v.  15;  compare  Gen.  18:17; 
Jas.  2:23.)  Did  the  disciples  no  longer 
call  themselves  servants?  (James  1:1;  2 
Peter  i  :i ;  Jude  i ;  Rev.  i  :i.)  Is  it  not  an 
honor  to  be  His  servants?  What  higher 
honor  is  ours?  With  which  of  the  two 
parties  did  this  intimate  relation  between 
Christ  and  H^is  disciples  begin?  (v.  16;  com- 
pare I  John  4:19.)  What  sort  of  persons 
are  we  when  He  chooses  us?  Were  they 
chosen,  or  "elected,"  merely  to  salvation  (v. 
16)  ?  Is  there  any  "election"  to  salvation 
set  forth  in  the  Scriptures,  separate  from 
election  to  holiness  and  service?  (i  Peter 
1:12;  Ro.  8:29.)  What  is  the  proof  that 
a  man  is  "one  of  the  elect"?  (2  Peter  i  :io; 
see  context.)  How  many  of  His  disciples 
had  He  appointed  to  bear  fruit?  What  was 
the  character  of  the  fruit  they  were  to  bear 
(v.  16,  R.  V.)?  How  abide?  (Compare  c. 
4:36.)  What  word  precedes  the  "and  bear 
fruit"?  Why  is  it,  then,  that  many  do  not 
bear  fruit?  What  would  be  the  result  of 
going  and  bearing  fruit f  How  often  is  this 
promise  found  in  Christ's  last  discourse? 
(c.  14:13,  14;  16:23.)  Why  did  Jesus  re- 
peat it  so  often?  Do  men  believe  it  even 
yet? 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

(i)     Titles: 
The  Father,  i,  8,  10,  15;  My  Father,  9, 
16;  the  Husbandmen,  i. 

(2)  What  He  does: 

Takes  away  fruitless  branches,  2; 
cleanses  fruitless  branches,  2,  R.  V. ; 
cleanses  fruitful  branches  through 
Christ's  word,  3;  loves  the  Son,  9; 
continues  to  love  the  Son  because  the 
Son  keeps  His  commandments,  10. 

(3)  His  glory: 

The  aim  of  all  true  disciples,  8;  mani- 
fested in  the  fruitfuiness  of  Christ's 
disciples,  8. 

2.  Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     Title: 

The  true  Vine,  i. 

(2)  What  He  enjoys: 

His  Father's  unchanging  love,  9,  10 ;  ful- 
ness of  joy,  II. 

(3)  What  He  does: 

Keeps  His  Father's  commandments,  10; 
abides  in  His  father's  love,  10;  loves 
His  disciples  even  as  the  Father  hath 
loved  Him,  9;  chooses  His  disciples 
before  they  choose  Him,  16;  abides 
in  those  who  abide  in  Him,  4,  5; 
abides  in  those  who  let  His  word 
abide  in  them,  7;  produces  all  the 
fruit  in  those  who  abide  in  Him,  5 ; 
cleanses  by  His  word  those  who  abide 
in  Him,  3;  desires  His  joy  to  be  in 
His  disciples,  11;  desires  His  disciples 
to  have  fulness  of  joy,  11;  calls  His 
disciples  not  servants  but  friends,  15; 
makes  confidants  of  His  disciples 
(tells  them  all  the  Father  has  told 
Him),  15;  lays  down  His  life  for  His 
friends,  13. 

(4)  His    relation    to    His    disciples    the 
same  as  His  Father's  relation  to  Him: 


STUDIES   IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Loves  them  even  as  the  Father  hath 
loved  Him,  g,  R.  V. ;  they  are  to  obey 
Him  even  as  He  obeys  the  Father,  lo, 
R.  v.;  they  are  to  abide  in  His  love 
even  as  He  abides  in  the  Father's 
love,  10,  R.  v.;  they  are  to  love  one 
another  even  as  He  had  loved  them, 
12,  R.  V. 
(5)     The  things  that  belong  to  Christ : 

"My  Father,"  i,  8,  10,  15;  "My  disci- 
ples," 8;  "My  friends,"  14;  "My 
name,"  16;  "My  commandments,"  10, 
12;  "My  words,"  7;  "My  love,"  9; 
"My  joy,"  II. 

3.  Abiding  in  Christ. 
(i)     The  solemn  duty: 

It  is' commanded,  4. 

(2)  The  imperative  necessity: 

Unless  we  do,  no  fruit,  4 ;  unless  we  do, 
we  shall  be  cast  forth,  6;  unless  we 
do,  we  shall  wither,  6;  unless  we  do, 
we  shall  be  burned,  6. 

(3)  The  blessed  results: 

He  will  abide  with  us,  4 ;  we  shall  bring 
forth  much  fruit,  5;  we  shall  prevail 
in  prayer,  7 ;  we  shall  abide  in  Christ's 
love,  9,  10;  we  shall  have  Christ's  joy 
in  us,  II;  we  shall  have  fulness  of 
joy,  II. 

(4)  The  simple  method  : 

Let  His  words  abide  in  you,  7  (com- 
pare I  John  2 124)  ;  keep  His  com- 
mandments, 10  (compare  i  John  3  124, 
R.  v.). 

4.  True  disciples  of  Christ. 
(i)     Titles: 

Branches,  5  ;  friends,  14,  15. 
(2)  What  is  done  for  them: 
Christ  abides  in  them,  4;  the  Father 
cleanses  them  that  they  may  bring 
forth  more  fruit,  2;  Christ  cleanses 
them  by  His  word,  3;  their  prayers 
are  answered,  7. 


(3)  What  they  must  do: 

Abide  in  Christ,  4;  continue  in  Christ's 
love,  9;  love  one  another  as  Christ 
loved  them,  12;  do  whatsoever  Christ 
commands  them,  14;  "Go,"  16;  bring 
forth  fruit,  16;  ask  of  the  Father  in 
Christ's  name,  16;  glorify  God,  8. 

(4)  What  they  have  : 

Christ's  abiding  love,  9,  10 ;  Christ's 
abounding  joy,  11;  Christ's  perfect 
knowledge,  15;  power  in  prayer,  7, 
16;  Christ's  implicit  confidence,  15. 

5.  Fruit-bearing. 
(i)     What  it  is: 

The  proof  of  discipleship,  8;  the  con- 
dition of  escaping  destruction,  2,  6; 
the  basis  of  prevailing  prayer,  7,  16; 
the  demand  of  God  upon  Christ's 
disciples,  2  ;  the  way  to  glorify  God,  8. 
(2)     Conditions  of  increased  fruitfulness  : 

Cleansing  especially  through  the  Word, 
2,3- 

6.  Obedience. 

(i)     The  true  kind: 
Entire,  14. 

(2)  Its  requirements : 

"Love  one  another,  even  as  I  have 
loved  you,"  12. 

(3)  Its  results: 

Makes  us  friends  of  Jesus,  14;  brings 
us  full  disclosures  of  what  He  has 
learned  of  His  Father,  14,  15;  brings 
Christ's  joy  to  us,  11;  brings  fulness 
of  joy  to  us,  II  ;  brings  the  abiding 
enjoyment  of  His  love,  10. 

7.  Prayer. 

(i)     Condition  of  prevailing  prayer: 
To  the  Father,  16;  in  Jesus'  name,  16; 
abiding   in   Christ,    7;    Christ's   word 
abiding    in    us,    7;    "Go"    where    He 
sends,  16;  bear  fruit,  16. 
(2)     What  it  gets: 
Whatsoever  we  ask,  16,  or  will,  7. 


290 


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LESSON  124. 


The  Hatred  of  the  World  Toward  the 

DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  world's  hatred  for  Jesus  and  His 
disciples,  vv.  i8-2y. 

Of  what  had  Jesus  been  speaking  in  the 
verses  immediately  preceding?  (vv.  12-17.) 
Of  what  does  He  now  begin  to  speak  (v. 
18)  ?  What  does  He  say  will  be  the  atti- 
tude of  the  world  toward  those  that  be- 
lieve on  Him  (v.  18)  ?  Is  this  the  attitude 
of  the  world  in  all  ages  toward  those  who 
believe  on  Jesus?  What  abundant  consola- 
tion may  we  take  to  our  hearts  in  face  of 
the  world's  hate  (v.  18)  ?  Why  does  the 
world  hate  the  believer  (v.  19)  ?  Who  sepa- 
rates the  believer  from  the  world  (v.  19)  ? 
Does  it  pay  to  be  thus  separated?  How  did 
the  world  show  its  hatred  of  believers  in 
the  early  days  of  the  Church?  In  what 
ways  does  the  world  today  show  its  hatred 
of  disciples  of  Jesus?  Does  the  real  atti- 
tude of  the  world  toward  believers  ever 
:hange?  Is  there  any  way  to  have  the  world 
love  us  (v.  19)  ?  Is  the  world's  love  worth 
the  price?  Why  ought  the  believer  never 
to  complain  at  the  persecution  he  receives 
(v.  20)  ?  When  the  believer  in  Christ 
grumbles  at  the  persecution  that  comes  to 
him,  what  is  he  making  himself  (v.  20)  ? 
Ought  we  to  have  any  desire  to  be  greater 
than  our  Lord? 

If  the  world  does  not  receive  our  teach- 
ng,  with  what  thought  may  we  comfort  our- 
selves (v.  20)  ?  Since  the  world  persecuted 
Jesus,  of  what  may  we  be  perfectly  sure? 
(Compare  2  Tim.  3:12.)  For  whose  sake 
do  all  these  persecutions  come  upon  us  (v. 
21)?  Is  there  any  comfort  in  that?  Why 
does  the  world  persecute  us  for  Christ's 
name's  sake  (v.  21)  ?  Does  the  world  think 
that  it  knows  God?     Does  it  know   God? 


Disciples  of  Jesus.    John  15:18-16:6. 

What  took  away  all  the  world's  excuse  for 
its  ignorance  of  God  and  for  its  sin  (vv. 
22,  24)  ?  Has  the  world  any  excuse  today 
for  its  ignorance  of  God  and  for  its  sin? 
What  did  Jesus'  words  and  works  prove? 
In  the  light  of  Jesus'  words  and  works, 
when  anyone  rejects  Him  what  does  that 
rejection  reveal  (vv.  22-24)  ?  Can  anyone 
who  rejects  Jesus  love  the  Father?  If  one 
hates  the  Son,  whom  does  it  prove  that  He 
also  hates  (v.  23)  ?  What  cause  has  the 
world  for  its  hatred  of  Jesus  (v.  25)  ?  What 
cause  has  it  to  love  Jesus  ?  Who  had  antici- 
pated the  world's  inexcusable  hatred  of  the 
Messiah?  (v.  25;  compare  Ps.  69:4;  7:4; 
35:19;  109:3.)  What  does  Jesus  set  over 
against  the  hatred  of  the  world  (v.  26)  ? 
What  two  names  are  given  to  the  Holy 
Spirit  in  v.  26?  What  is  the  literal  meaning 
of  the  word  translated  "Comforter"?  (See 
R.  v.,  margin.)  What  thought  does  it  give 
us  about  the  Holy  Spirit?  How  does  He 
help?  (John  16:13;  14:26;  Ro.  8:26;  Acts 
8:29;  ii:ii,  12;  16:6,  7;  Matt.  10:18-20; 
Acts  4:8;  6:10.) 

Why  is  the  Holy  Spirit  called  "the  Spirit 
of  Truth"?  From  whom  does  the  Holy 
Spirit  come  (v.  26)  ?  Who  sends  Him  from 
the  Father?  (Compare  c.  14:16;  Acts  2:33.) 
How  does  it  appear  in  v.  26  that  the  Father, 
Son  and  Holy  Spirit  are  three  entirely  dis- 
tinct persons?  What  would  be  the  work  of 
this  Spirit  whom  Jesus  promises  to  send? 
How  does  the  Spirit  bear  witness  to  Jesus? 
(2  Peter  1:21;  i  Cor.  12:3;  John  16:14; 
Matt.  16:17.)  Can  anyone  truly  know  Jesus 
without  the  direct  personal  testimony  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  him?  What  is  the  force  of 
the  "but"  with  which  v.  26  begins?  (Com- 
pare  vv.   24,   25.)      Though   the    world   is 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


291 


against  Christ  today  what  mighty  witness 
for  Him  have  we  on  our  side?  What  would 
be  the  result  in  their  own  lives  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  bearing  witness  for  Christ  (v.  27)  ? 
What  is  it  necessary  that  we  have  if  we  are 
to  bear  efficient  witness  for  Christ?  (Luke 
24  :48,  49 ;  Acts  i  :8 ;  4  ••3i,  33-)  What  quali- 
fication did  the  disciples  possess  for  bearing 
reliable  testimony  regarding  Christ  (v.  27)  ? 

2.  The  world's  persecution  of  the  disci- 
ples of  Jesus,  1-6. 

What  was  Jesus'  purpose  in  telling  the 
disciples  beforehand  how  they  would  be 
hated  and  persecuted?  What  ought  to  keep 
us  from  stumbling  (v.  i,  R.  V.)  in  face  of 
the  persecutions  that  we  shall  meet?  (2 
Tim.  3:12.)  To  what  extent  did  Jesus  say 
they  would  carry  their  hatred  of  His  disci- 
ples (v.  2)  ?  Did  this  prove  true  histori- 
cally? Will  the  time  ever  come  again  when 
Christians  will  be  persecuted  to  this  ex- 
tent? Need  we  have  any  fears  on  that 
account?  How  ought  we  to  regard  suffer- 
ing for  and  with  Jesus?  (Compare  Matt. 
5:10-12.)  What  did  Jesus  say  lay  at  the 
root  of  all  this  hatred  and  persecution  of 
believers  (v.  3)  ?  What  did  Jesus  say  was 
His  purpose  in  telling  these  things  to  His 
disciples  (v.  4)  ?  When  persecutions  come 
upon  us,  of  what  may  we  see  a  proof  in 
them?  Why  had  Jesus  not  told  these  things 
to  His  disciples  at  the  beginning?  To 
Whom  was  Jesus  now  going?  What  ques- 
tion had  the  disciples  failed  to  ask  Him  (v. 
5)  ?  Why  had  they  not  asked  Him  this 
question  (v.  6)  ?  Ought  the  disciples  to 
have  had  only  sorrow  over  the  departure 
of  Jesus?    (v.   7;   c.   14:28.) 

CLASSIFIC.A.TION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.     God  the  Father. 

Hated  by  the  world,  23,  24;  not  known 
to  the  world,  21,  3;  the  Holy  Spirit 
proceeds  from  Him,  26. 


2.    Jesus  Christ. 
(i)     His  nature: 
Divine,  23,  24,  26,  3 ;  human,  20,  24,  5. 

(2)  His  subordination  to  the  Father,  21, 

5- 

(3)  His  work: 

Chooses  His  disciples  out  of  the  world, 
19;  does  such  works  as  none  other 
ever  did,  24;  sends  the  Holy  Spirit 
from  the  Father,  26. 

(4)  How  treated : 

Not  understood  by  the  world,  3;  hated 
by  the  world,  18,  23,  24,  25;  hated 
without  a  cause,  25 ;  persecuted  by  the 
world,  19;  witnessed  to  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  26;  by  His  disciples,  27. 
S.     The  Holy  Spirit. 

(i)     His  personality,  26. 

(2)  His  names : 

The  Paraclete  (One  called  to  stand  by 
our  side,  an  ever-present  Friend  and 
Helper),  26;  the  Spirit  of  truth,  26. 

(3)  The  Spirit  of  the  Father: 

Spirit  proceeds  from  the  Father,  26. 

(4)  The  Spirit  and  Jesus  Christ: 

Spirit  is  sent  by  Jesus,  26;  testifies  of 
Jesus,  26. 

(5)  The  Spirit  and  the  believer: 
Spirit  does  for  the  believer  what  Jesus 

did  while  on  earth,  26;  compare  c. 
14:16;  16:7;  abides  with  the  believer 
as  an  ever-present  Friend,  26;  com- 
pare 14:16,  17;  bears  witness  con- 
cerning Jesus  to  the  believer,  26;  fits 
the  believer  to  bear  witness  to  Jesus, 
26,  27. 

(6)  His  offices: 

An  ever-present  Helper,  26;  teacher,  26; 
compare   14:26;    16:13;   witness,   26; 
revealer  of  the  truth,  26. 
4.     The  disciples  of  Christ. 

Not  of  the  world,  19;  chosen  by  Jesus 
Himself  out  of  the  world,  19;  there- 
fore hated  by  the  world,  18,  19,  i-3; 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


persecuted  by  the  world,  20,  1-3; 
have  fellowship  with  Jesus  in  the 
world's  hatred  and  persecution,  18; 
have  the  privilege  of  suffering  for 
Jesus'  name's  sake,  21 ;  have  an  ever- 
present  Comforter  and  Helper,  26. 
Their  work :  To  witness  for  Jesus,  27 ; 
forewarned  and  forearmed,  1-4. 


5.     The  world. 

Knows  not  Jesus  Christ,  3;  knows  not 
the  Father,  21,  3;  hates  Jesus  Christ, 
18,  23,  24,  25 ;  hates  Christ  absolutely 
without  a  cause,  25 ;  has  no  excuse  for 
its  rejection  of  Christ,  24;  no  excuse 
for  its  sin,  22. 


LESSON  125. 
Jesus'  Last  Words  to  His  Disciples  Before  His  Arrest,  Trial  and  Crucifix- 
ion.   John  16:7-33. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  "If  I  do  not  go  away,  the  Comforter 
will  not  come  unto  you,  but  if  I  depart,  I 
will  send  Him  unto  you,"  vv.  7-15. 

What  was  the  feeling  of  Jesus'  disci- 
ples over  His  departure  from  them?  (John 
16:6.)  Did  it  not  seem  like  a  misfortune 
(v.  7)  ?  In  what  ways  was  it  for  their 
good?  (c.  11:50,  52;  c.  14:3;  c.  14:12.) 
What  especial  way  in  which  His  departure 
was  expedient  for  them  is  mentioned  in  v. 
7?  Upon  what  was  the  sending  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  conditioned  ?  (John  7 139 ;  Acts  2  -.2,2, ; 
Eph.  4:8.)  What  would  the  Spirit  do  when 
He  came?  His  activity  in  relation  to  what 
class  is  set  forth  in  vv.  8-1 1?  His  activity 
in  relation  to  what  class  is  set  forth  in  vv. 
13,  14  and  c.  14 :26  and  15  :26?  What  is  His 
first  work  in  relation  to  the  world?  In  re- 
spect of  what  particular  sin  would  the  Holy 
Spirit  convict  the  world?  What  is  the  one 
sin  that  brings  doom?  (John  3:18-20;  Heb. 
10:28,  29.)  Is  it  our  business  to  convict 
men  in  respect  of  sin?  What  is  our  part  in 
the  matter?  Have  we  any  illustration  in  the 
Bible  of  the  Spirit  convicting  men  in  respect 
of  the  sin  of  unbelief?  (Acts  2:37.)  Of  its 
error  on  what  second  point  would  the  Spirit 
convict  the  world  (v.  10)  ?  What  had  the 
world  thought  of  Christ?    What  would  the 


Spirit  show  them  respecting  Him?  By  what 
fact  would  the  Spirit  convict  the  world  of 
its  mistake  and  show  that  He  whom  they 
had  condemned  as  a  malefactor  was  the 
righteous  One?  (v.  10;  compare  Acts  3:14, 
15.)  On  what  third  point  would  the  Spirit 
convict  the  world  of  its  mistake?  As  whose 
judgment  did  the  world  regard  the  cruci- 
fixion of  Jesus?  Whose  judgment  would 
the  Spirit  show  them  the  crucifixion  had 
been?     (v.  11;  c.  12:31.) 

Who  was  it  that  was  really  judged  and 
destroyed  at  the  cross?  (Col.  2:15;  Heb. 
2:14.)  Where,  in  all  the  world's  history, 
did  Satan  seem  most  completely  victor? 
When,  in  fact,  was  he  most  completely  over- 
thrown? What  name  is  given  to  Satan  in 
this  verse?  (Compare  2  Cor.  4:4.)  Why  is 
he  so  called?  Why  would  it  be  necessary 
for  the  Spirit  to  come  and  supplement 
the  teaching  of  Jesus  (v.  12)  ?  Is  it  enough, 
then,  to  take  the  teachings  of  Jesus  alone 
and  construct  our  theology  out  of  them? 
In  which,  according  to  Jesus  Christ's  own 
testimony,  have  we  the  more  complete  reve- 
lation, the  teachings  of  Jesus  or  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Apostles  (vv.  12,  13)  ?  Into  how 
much  truth  would  the  Spirit  guide  them? 
If  we  wish  to  know  the  whole  of  God's 
truth,  who  must  be  our  teacher?    (Compare 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


293 


I  Cor.  2  :ii-i4 ;  i  John  2 :27.)  Where  can  we 
find  the  truth  into  which  the  Spirit  guided 
the  apostles?  To  whose  teaching  does 
Jesus,  by  v.  13,  set  the  seal  of  His  approval? 
What  would  the  Spirit  show  them?  Is  it 
possible  then  to  know  "things  to  come"? 
Is  all  opinion  about  the  future  mere  specu- 
lation? What  would  be  the  chief  business 
of  this  coming  Spirit?  (v.  14;  compare  vv. 
9,  10;  Acts  2:32,  36;  4:8,  10-12;  I  Cor.  12:3.) 
Whom  had  Jesus  Himself  glorified?  (c. 
17:4.)  How  would  the  Holy  Spirit  glorify 
Jesus  (v.  14,  R.  V.)  ?  If  we  would  see  the 
glory  of  Jesus,  what  must  the  Spirit  do  for 
us  (v.  14)  ?  Is  He  willing  to  do  that?  Has 
He  ever  done  it  for  you?  What  is  taught 
by  the  frequent  use  of  the  pronoun  "He" 
in  connection  with  the  Holy  Spirit? 

2.  "A  little  while,  and  ye  sliall  behold 
Me  no  more;  and  again,  a  little  while,  and 
ye  shall  see  Me,"  vv.  16-22. 

To  what  does  the  first  "little  while"  in  v. 
16  refer?  To  what  does  the  second  "little 
while"  in  v.  16  refer?  What  efifect  did  the 
words  of  Jesus  produce  upon  His  disciples? 
(vv.  17,  18.)  How  did  Jesus  know  their 
perplexity  (v.  19)  ?  What  would  be  the 
efifect  upon  the  disciples  of  Jesus'  death  and 
their  consequent  losing  sight  of  Him  (v. 
20)  ?  How  would  the  world  feel  regarding 
His  death  (v.  20)  ?  By  what  would  the 
disciples  sorrow  be  followed?  By  what  is 
the  true  believer's  sorrow  always  followed? 
What  was  the  darkest  day  the  disciples  ever 
saw  ?  What  was  the  brightest  day  that  ever 
came  to  them?  Is  the  time  ever  coming 
when  we  shall  see  Him  again  and  our  sor- 
row be  transformed  into  triumphant  joy? 
(Acts  i:ii;  John  14:3;  i  Thess.  4:16,  17.) 
What  would  be  the  character  of  the  joy  that 
the  disciples  should  receive  when  they  saw 
Jesus  again  (v.  22)  ? 


3.  "Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  My 
name,  God  will  give  it  you,"  vv.  23-33. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  first  sentence 
in  v.  23?  (Compare  A.  R.  V.)  Ought  the 
believer  ever  to  pray  to  Jesus,  or  only  to  the 
Father?  (Acts  7:59;  2  Cor.  12:8,  9;  i  Cor. 
1 :2.)  What  is  the  normal  order  of  Chris- 
tian prayer?  (Eph.  2:18.)  To  whom  does 
Jesus  teach  us  to  pray  in  v.  23?  What  is 
His  own  relation  to  prevailing  prayer  (vv. 
23,  24)  ?  What  wonderful  promise  does  He 
make  regarding  prayer  to  the  Father  in  His 
name?  (v.  23;  compare  John  14:13,  14.)  To 
whom  is  this  promise  made?  (v.  26,  27; 
compare  John  14:12,  15.)  What  is  the  re- 
sult of  praying  in  the  name  of  Jesus  (v.  24, 
R.V.)  ?  Why  does  the  average  believer  have 
no  little  fulness  of  joy?  Why  does  praying 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  bring  fulness  of  joy? 
How  had  Jesus  been  teaching  His  disciples 
up  to  this  time  (v.  25)  ?  When  the  Holy 
Spirit  came,  what  diflference  would  there 
be  in  His  teaching  (v.  25)  ?  Does  Jesus 
mean  by  saying:  "I  say  unto  you  I  will 
pray  the  Father  for  you"  that  He  will  no 
longer  intercede  for  us  after  the  coming  of 
the  Holy  Spirit?  (Compare  Heb.  7:25;  Ro. 
8:34;  I  John  2:1.)  What  does  He  mean  (v. 
27)  ?  Why  does  the  Father  love  believers? 
Who,  then,  does  the  Father  love  in  this 
peculiar  way?  What  does  Jesus  wish  us 
to  behave  about  Himself  (v.  27)  ? 

From  Whom  did  Jesus  come  forth?  To 
Whom  was  He  now  going?  What  new  pro- 
fession of  their  faith  did  the  disciples  make 
in  V.  30?  What  was  Jesus'  answer  (v.  31)  ? 
What  was  the  force  of  this  question?  What 
does  it  show  that  Jesus  longs  for?  Does 
Jesus  receive  much  real  faith  in  Himself? 
What  does  Jesus  tell  them  about  their  faith 
(v.  Z2)  ?  Wlio  was  the  loneliest  man  that 
ever  walked  this  earth?  Was  He  really 
alone  (v.  32)  ?    If  any  of  us  have  to  walk 


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a  lonely  life  here  upon  earth  what  thought 
may  we  take  to  ourselves  that  will  banish 
all  our  loneliness?  What  did  Jesus  desire 
for  His  disciples  (v.  33)  ?  For  what  purpose 
had  he  spoken  all  the  wonderful  words  in 
chapters  14,  15,  and  16?  What  will  the 
believer  have  in  the  world?  Why  may  he 
have  peace,  even  though  he  has  tribulation 
in  the  world  (v.  33)  ?  If  Jesus  overcame  the 
world,  what  may  we  also  do?  (i  John  5:4, 
5.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  God,  the  Father. 

His  dwelling  place:  Heaven,  10.  17,  28; 
compare  Acts  1:9-11;  prayer  should 
be  offered  to  Him,  23,  24;  He  loves 
those  who  love  Jesus  and  believe  that 
Jesus  came  forth  from  God,  27;  He 
stood  with  Jesus  when  all  the  world 
forsook  Him,  32. 

2.  lesiis  Christ 
(i)     His  nature: 

Divine  7,  10,  15,  23;  human,  28,  32,  33. 

(2)  Jesus  and  the  Father : 

Jesus  is  subordinate  to  the  Father,  16, 
26,  30,  32;  prays  to  the  Father,  26; 
came  from  the  Father,  27,  28,  30; 
went  to  the  Father,  10,  16,  17,  28. 

(3)  Jesus  and  the  Holy  Spirit: 

Jesus  sent  the  Spirit,  7 ;  Jesus  glorified 
by  the  Spirit,  14;  the  Spirit  takes  of 
the  things  of  Jesus  and  shows  them 
unto  us,  14. 

3.  The  Holy  Spirit. 

(i)     His  personality,  7,  8,  13,  14. 

(2)  His  names: 

Paraclete  (One  called  to  stand  by  our 
side,  an  ever-present  Friend),  7; 
Spirit  of  truth,  13. 

(3)  The  Spirit  and  the  Father: 

Spirit  speaks  what  He  hears  from  the 
Father,  13. 


(4)  The  Spirit  and  Jesus  Christ: 
Spirit    is    sent    by    Jesus,    7;    glorifies 

Jesus,  14;  takes  the  things  of  Jesus 
and  shows  them  unto  us,  14. 

(5)  The  Spirit  and  the  believer : 

The  Spirit  does  for  the  believer  what 
Jesus  did  while  with  them  on  earth, 
7;  compare  c.  14:16;  comes  to  the 
believer  and  through  the  believer  con- 
victs the  world  of  sin  and  of  right- 
eousness and  of  judgment  7-11; 
guides  into  all  truth,  13,  R.  V. ;  shows 
the  believer  things  to  come,  13;  takes 
of  the  things  of  Jesus  and  declares 
them  unto  the  believer,  14. 

(6)  The  Spirit  and  the  world: 

He  convicts  the  world  of  sin  because 
they  believe  not  on  Jesus,  8,  9,  R.  V. ; 
of  righteousness  because  Jesus  goes 
to  the  Father,  8,  10,  R.  V. ;  of  judg- 
ment because  the  prince  of  this  world 
hath  been  judged.  8,  11,  R.  V. 

(7)  His  offices: 

An  ever-present  Helper,  7;  Teacher,  13; 
Convictnr.  8-11  ;  Guide,  13  ;  Revealer 
of  the  things  of  Jesus  Christ  and  of 
things  to  come,  13;  a  glorifier  of 
Jesus  Clirist,  14. 
4.     Bclicrevs. 

Only  avenue  through  which  the  Spirit 
can  get  at  the  world,  7-11 ;  guided  by 
Spirit  into  all  the  truth,  13;  taught 
things  of  God,  13;  shown  the  things 
of  Christ,  14;  have  transient  but  bit- 
ter sorrow,  20;  have  overwhelming 
and  abiding  joy,  20-23;  no  man  can 
take  their  joy  from  them,  22;  have 
tribulation  in  the  world,  33;  can  be 
of  good  cheer  in  midst  of  all  their 
tribulations,  33;  can  have  peace  in 
midst  of  their  tribulations,  33 ;  what- 
soever thev  ask  of  the  Father  in  the 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


295 


name  of  Jesus  will  receive,  23;  have 
fulness  of  joy  by  praying  much  in 
the  name  of  Jesus,  24;  Jesus  reveals 
the  truth  plainly  to  them,  25;  are 
loved  by  the  Father  because  they  love 
Jesus  and  believe  that  He  came  forth 
from  God,  27;  have  direct  access  to 
the  Father,  26,  27. 
5.     The  world. 

Lying  in  sin  because  they  believe  not 
on  Jesus,  9 ;  convicted  in  respect  of 
sin  and  of  righteousness  and  of  judg- 
ment by  the  Holy  Spirit,  9-11;    hates 


Jesus,  20;  rejoices  over  the  crucifix- 
ion of  Jesus,  20;  persecutes  believers, 
ZZ'i  cannot  rob  the  believer  of  this 
joy,  22. 

Prayer. 

To  Whom  to  pray:  the  Father,  23,  24, 
26,  27. 

How  to  pray :  in  Jesus'  name,  23,  24. 

Who  can  pray  so  as  to  get  what  they 
ask?  Those  who  love  Jesus  and  be- 
lieve that  He  came  forth  from  God, 
23-27. 


LESSON  126. 


Our  Lord's  Prayer  for 

DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.     Christ's  prayer  for  Himself,  vv.  1-5. 

With  what  words  did  Jesus  close  His 
parting  discourse  to  His  disciples?  Having 
finished  speaking  to  them,  what  did  He  do? 
Is  there  any  connection  between  the  dis- 
course, especially  the  closing  words,  and  the 
prayer.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  ex- 
pression "the  hour  is  come"?  (c.  7:30; 
8:20;  12:23,  27,  28;  13:1;  Mark  14:41.) 
Did  He  draw  back  from  that  hour?  He 
saw  that  hour  to  be  the  portal  to  what? 
(Compare  Heb.  12:2.)  What  was  His 
first  petition?  Why  did  He  wish  the 
Father  to  glorify  Him?  Had  He  not  al- 
ready glorified  the  Father  during  His 
earthly  life?  (v.  4;  c.  1:14,  18.)  Why, 
then,  was  it  necessary  that  He  be  glorified 
in  order  to  glorify  the  Father?  What  was 
the  glorifying  for  which  Jesus  here  prays? 
(c.  7:39;  Acts  3:13;  Phil.  2:9-11;  I  Peter 
I  :2i.)  What  reason  did  Jesus  first  urge 
why  God  should  glorify  Him  (v.  2)  ?  How 
is  that  a  reason?  What  did  Jesus  say  the 
Father  had  bestowed  upon  Him?  How 
great  was  this  "authority  over  all  flesh"  (R. 
V.)?  (3:35;  5:21-23,  27;  Matt.  11:27;  Heb. 


His  People.    John  17. 

2:8.)  What  two  opposite  sides  of  truth 
about  the  relation  of  Jesus  to  the  Father 
does  this  statement  bring  out?  What  was 
God's  purpose  in  giving  Jesus  power  over 
all  flesh?  What  do  we  learn  about  eternal 
life  from  this?  (Compare  Ro.  6:23.)  To 
whom  was  He  to  give  eternal  life?  Who 
were  they  whom  the  Father  had  given 
Him?  (c.  6:37.)  What  else  do  we  know 
about  those  whom  the  Father  has  given  to 
the  Son?  (c.  6:39,  45;  10:28,  29;  17:6,  9, 
II,  12,  14,  24;  18:9.) 

What  is  eternal  life  (v.  3)  ?  What  does 
Jesus  mean  by  saying:  "This  is  life  eternal, 
that  they  should  know  Thee  the  only  true 
God,  and  Him  whom  thou  didst  send,  even 
Jesus  Christ"  (R.  V.)  ?  Suppose  one  does 
not  know  God,  what  then  ?  (2  Thess.  i  :8, 
9.)  What,  then,  is  the  one  all-important 
thing  to  know?  How  can  we  know  God? 
(i  John  5:20;  John  1:18;  2  Cor.  4:6;  John 
14:9.)  Is  there  any  proof  of  the  divinity 
of  Christ  in  v.  3?  Of  His  subordination  to 
the  Father?  Who  is  the  only  true  God? 
Suppose  we  worship  some  other  god  than 
the  God  who  reveals  Himself  in  Jesus 
Christ,  what  are  we  doing?    What  second 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


reason  does  Jesus  urge  why  the  Father 
should  glorify  Him?  If  we  wish  God  to 
glorify  us  in  heaven  what  must  we  do? 
How  had  Jesus  glorified  the  Father  on 
earth?  How  are  we  to  glorify  God  on 
earth?  What  was  the  work  Jesus  had 
done?  What  does  "finished"  mean?  Is 
it  a  good  thing  to  be  able  to  say  at  the 
close  of  life :  "I  have  finished  the  work 
which  Thou  gavest  me  to  do"?  Has  any 
one  beside  Jesus  been  able  to  say  it?  (2 
Tim.  4:7.)  When  was  Jesus'  work  fin- 
ished? (c.  19:30.)  Having  finished  the 
earthly  work,  what  was  all  that  was  now 
left  to  do?  When  alone  has  a  man  a  right 
to  pray  to  be  glorified?  Where  was  the 
glory  that  Jesus  desired?  Did  He  desire 
any  glory  apart  from  God?  Was  this  a 
new  glory  that  Jesus  desired?  Why  had 
He  laid  it  down?  (2  Cor.  8:9.)  Why 
did  He  now  take  it  up  again  (v.  4)  ? 

2.  Christ's  prayer  for  His  immediate 
foUoi^'crs,  TV.  6-ig. 

For  whom  did  Jesus  next  pray?  What 
four  things  did  He  ask  for  them?  (11,  17, 
21,  24.)  Why  did  He  pray  for  His  own 
glory  before  praying  for  their  keeping, 
sanctifying,  unifying  and  glorifying?  Be- 
fore asking  Him  to  do  for  them,  what  did 
Jesus  tell  the  Father?  Would  it  be  a 
good  thing  when  we  ask  God  to  do  for 
men,  if  we  could  tell  what  we  ourselves 
have  already  done  for  them?  What  was 
the  first  thing  Jesus  had  done  for  them? 
What  does  the  name  stand  for?  (Ex. 
3:13-15;  34:5-7-)  What  does  "manifested 
thy  name"  mean?  Why  is  this  the  first 
fact  mentioned  as  the  basis  for  His  peti- 
tions for  His  disciples?  To  whom  had 
He  manifested  the  Father's  name?  What 
difference  is  there  between  the  expression 
describing  Christ's  disciples  in  v.  2  and 
that  in  V.  6?    Whose  were  they  before  they 


were  given  to  Christ?  Are  not  all  men 
God's?  What  had  they  done  on  their 
part?  What  does  "kept"  mean?  Who, 
then,  are  those  who  belong  peculiarly  to  the 
Father  and  whom  He  bestows  as  a  peculiar 
possession  to  the  Son?  (Compare  c.  8:31, 
32;  16:21-24;  Ps.  119:11;  Prov.  2:1-5;  3:1- 
4;  2  Tim.  1:13;  Rev.  3:8,  10,  11;  Luke 
8:15.)  What  further  statement  did  Jesus 
make  concerning  the  disciples  (v.  7)  ?  Is 
there  any  connection  between  this  state- 
ment and  that  which  precedes  it?  Was  this 
fact  that  they  knew  "that  all  things  what- 
soever Thou  hast  given  Me  are  of  Thee" 
any  good  reason  for  blessing  them?  (John 
16:27.)  What  further  did  Jesus  say  He 
had  done  for  them    (v.  8)  ? 

What  ought  we  to  do  with  the  words 
God  gives  us?  What  are  the  only  words 
we  should  give  others?  Why  does  v.  8 
begin  with  the  word  "for"?  What  had  the 
disciples  done  with  these  words?  What  is 
the  best  thing  to  do  with  Christ's  words? 
What  will  they  do  when  received?  (Jas. 
1:21;  2  Tim.  3:15;  Ps.  119:130.)  How 
had  they  received  them?  (v.  7;  compare 
I  Thess.  2:13.)  What  was  the  result  of 
their  receiving  them?  If  we  desire  to  know 
surely  that  Christ  came  out  from  the 
Father,  what  should  we  do?  Now,  as  to 
the  result  of  all  that  Jesus  had  done  for 
His  disciples  and  what  they  had  done,  what 
did  Jesus  proceed  to  do?  Did  He  pray 
for  anyone  else?  (Compare  Heb.  7:25; 
9:24.)  If  we  would  have  Jesus  include  us 
in  His  intercession  what  must  we  have  done 
for  us  and  what  must  we  do?  What  does 
His  intercession  make  certain?  (Ro. 
^'■2,3,  34;  Heb.  7:25.)  Does  the  Father 
hear  His  prayer?  (John  11:42;  Luke 
22:32.)  For  whom  is  it  Jesus  says  He 
prays?  Why  did  He  pray  for  them? 
(w.  9,  10.)     What  thought  ought  to  en- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


297 


courage  us  in  praying  for  believers? 
(Compare  Ex.  32:11.)  How  did  Jesus 
speak  of  the  mutual  relation  between  the 
Father  and  Himself?  What  was  His  re- 
lation to  His  disciples?  (Compare  c.  13:31, 
32.)  How  is  Jesus  Christ  glorified  in  His 
disciples?  (Gal.  1:23,  24;  Phil.  1:20.) 
What  further  reason  did  Jesus  give  for 
praying  for  His  disciples?  What  is  His 
prayer  for  them  in  their  dangerous  position 
unsheltered  by  His  presence?  Is  that  a 
sufficient  safeguard  for  the  believer  in  the 
midst  of  the  dangers  and  perils  of  the 
world?  (Compare  John  10:29;  i  Peter  i  :5 ; 
Jude  24;  r  Cor.  10:13.)  How  was  the 
Father  to  keep  them?  What  does  that 
mean?  Is  that  safe  keeping?  (Prov. 
18:10.)  Who  were  to  be  so  kept?  Is  the 
fact  that  the  Father  had  given  them  the 
promise  of  the  keeping  any  guarantee  that 
they  will  be  kept? 

Who  are  those  whom  the  Father  has 
given?  (John  6:37,  45.)  What  was  the 
purpose  of  the  keeping?  (Compare  vv.  21, 
22.)  How  then  is  the  only  way  in  which 
believers  can  be  one?  What  kind  of  a  unity 
did  Jesus  pray  for?  What  kind  of  a  unity 
exists  between  the  Father  and  the  Son? 
(Compare  Eph.  4:3-6;  i  Cor.  12:12,  13, 
17.)  How  did  Jesus  address  the  Father  in 
this  prayer?  Why  did  He  call  Him  holy 
here?  What  had  Jesus  Himself  done  for 
His  disciples  during  His  stay  with  them 
(v.  12)?  How  had  He  kept  them?  How 
many  had  been  lost  (v.  12,  R.  V.)  ?  Will 
any  of  His  ever  be  lost?  (c.  10:28,  29; 
Heb.  7:25.)  Had  not  someone  been 
lost?  Who  (v.  12)?  If  one  is  lost  what 
does  it  prove?  (i  John  2:t9.)  Whom  was 
it  He  kept?  According  to  what  was  the  loss 
of  this  one?  (Compare  Ps.  109:8;  41:9.) 
What  important  change  in  the  translation 
of  the  verb  in  v.  12  is  made  in  the  Revised 
Version?     What  is  the  significance  of  that 


change?  (First  verb  means  "to  take  care 
of"  or  "attend  carefully  to" ;  the  second 
verb,  "to  protect  with  a  military  guard  or 
garrison."  Jesus  had  done  both.)  Why  did 
Jesus  now  ask  the  Father  to  do  what,  up 
to  this  time,  He  had  done  Himself  (v.  13)  ? 
For  what  purpose  had  Jesus  said  those 
things?  If  we  desire  His  joy  made  full  in 
us  what  must  we  know  and  think  much 
about  (vv.  6-12)  ? 

Was  Jesus  very  desirous  that  His  dis- 
ciples have  His  joy?  (John  15:11;  16:22- 
24;  3Z)  With  whom  is  the  fault  if  we  do 
not  have  it?  What  had  Jesus  done  for 
the  disciples  (v.  14)  ?  What  was  the  re- 
sult of  Jesus'  giving  them  God's  Word? 
What  will  always  be  the  result,  if  God's 
Word  is  given  to  any  one  and  kept  by 
them?  (2  Tim.  3:12;  John  15:19.)  Why 
did  the  world  hate  them?  If  the  world 
loves  us,  of  what  may  we  be  sure?  (John 
15:18;  I  John  4:5,  6.)  What  comforting 
thought  have  we  in  this  not  being  of 
the  world  and  hated  by  it?  Did  Jesus 
wish  His  own  to  be  taken  out  of  the  world? 
Why  not?  What  did  He  pray  (v.  15,  R. 
V.)  ?  Why  was  it  very  necessary  that  they 
be  kept  from  "the  evil  one"  while  in  the 
world?  (2  Cor.  4:4.)  While  in  the  world, 
were  they  of  it?  What  had  separated  them 
from  it?  (v.  9;  c.  15:19;  vv.  14,  8.) 
What  prayer  did  Jesus  make  for  His  dis- 
ciples in  V.  17?  What  does  sanctify  mean? 
How  would  the  Father  sanctify  them? 
W'hat  is  truth?  Through  what  does  God 
sanctify  men?  (Compare  Ps.  119:9,  11, 
104;  2  Thess.  2:13.)  What  was  Christ's 
sending  of  them  forth  like?  (v.  18;  com- 
pare 2  Cor.  5:20.)  For  what  purpose  did 
He  set  Himself  apart  for  His  work?  (v. 
19;  compare  2  Cor.  8:9.) 

3.  Christ's  prayer  for  all  believers,  vv. 
20-26. 

Did  Jesus  confine  His  prayer  to  His  im- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


mediate  disciples  (v.  20)  ?  Who  else  did  it 
include?  How  were  these  others  to  be- 
lieve? What  was  His  prayer  for  them? 
How  were  they  to  be  one?  Is  any  real 
unity  possible  except  by  being  in  the  Father 
and  in  the  Son?  What  was  the  purpose 
of  this  unity?  What  wondrous  gift  had 
Jesus  bestowed  upon  them  (v.  22)  ?  For 
what  purpose  was  this  gift  bestowed? 
How  were  they  to  be  perfected  into  one 
(v.  23,  R.  V.)  ?  What  would  be  the  re- 
sult of  this  unity  perfected  through  Christ 
in  us?  How  much  does  the  Father  love 
those  in  whom  Christ  is?  What  was 
Christ's  will  regarding  those  whom  the 
Father  had  given  Him?  Does  the  believer 
wish  to  be  with  Christ?  (Phil.  1:23;  2 
Cor.  5:8.)  Does  Christ  wish  His  own  to 
be  with  Him?  Does  He  wish  us  to  be 
with  Him  as  much  as  we  wish  to  be  with 
Him?  (c.  14:3.)  Will  this  wish  of 
Christ's  be  gratified?  (i  Thess.  4 ■^7-) 
For  what  purpose  would  Jesus  have  His 
disciples  with  Him?  Why  did  Jesus  wish 
His  disciples  to  see  His  glory?  (2  Cor. 
3:18;  I  John  3:2.)  Where  did  Jesus  get 
His  glory?  Why  did  the  Father  give  it  to 
Him?  What  was  the  relation  of  the  world 
to  the  Father  (v.  25)  ?  Who  did  know 
Him?  (Compare  Matt.  II  :27.)  What  had 
He  done  for  His  disciples  (v.  26)  ?  What 
would  be  the  result  of  Jesus  making  known 
the  Father's  name  to  His  disciples?  What 
will  be  the  result  if  we  "know  not  God"? 
(2  Thess.  1 :8,  9-) 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    God  the  Father. 

Holy.  1 1 ;  righteous,  25 ;  only  true 
God,  3 ;  loved  the  Son  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world.  24;  sent 
Jesus  Christ,  3,  8;  gave  Jesus  Christ 
a  work  to  do,  4;  gave  Jesus  Christ 


His  words  to  speak,  8 ;  gave  His  Son 
authority  over  all  flesh,  2;  gave  His 
Son  a  body  of  believers  out  of  the 
world,  2,  6,  10;  gave  Jesus  Christ  His 
glory,  24;  dwells  in  Son,  23;  known 
by  Son,  25 ;  His  name  made  known 
by  Son,  26,  R.  V. ;  the  world  knew 
Him  not,  25. 
2.    Jesus  Christ. 

(i)     His  relation  to  the  Father: 

His  Son,   17. 

Equal  with  the  Father,  2,  3,  10;  bad 
authority  over  all  flesh ;  gives  eternal 
life;  eternal  life  is  knowing  Him; 
all  the  Fathers  are  His  and  z'ice 
versa:  is  one  with  the  Father.  11; 
eternal,  5,  24. 

Subordination  to  the  Father:  His  au- 
thority and  glory  the  Father's  gift, 
2,  24 ;  sent  by  the  Father,  3 ;  received 
His  words  from  the  Father,  8 ;  dwells 
in  the  Father,  23;  loved  by  the 
Father  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  24;  glorified  the  Father  on 
earth,  4;  finished  the  work  the  Father 
gave  Him  to  do,  4;  knew  the  Father, 
25 ;  made  known  the  Father's  name, 
26;  manifested  the  Father's  name 
unto,  etc..  6;  left  world  and  went 
unto  the  Father,  11,  13. 
(2)     His  relation  to  His  own: 

Sanctified  Himself  for  their  sake,  17; 
gave  unto  them  the  words  which  the 
Father  gave  unto  Him,  8 ;  gives  eter- 
nal life  unto  them,  2;  kept  (took  care 
of)  them,  12;  guarded  (protected  as 
by  a  garrison)  them,  12;  lost  not  one, 
12;  wishes  them  to  have  His  glory 
fulfilled  in  themselves,  13;  gave  to 
them  the  glory  which  the  Father  gave 
unto  Him,  22;  wishes  them  to  be  with 
Him  that  they  may  behold  His  glory, 
24;  sends  them  into  the  world  as  the 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


Father  sent  Him,  i8;  is  glorified  in 
them,  lo;  His  divine  mission  known 
to  the  world  through  their  unity,  23. 

(3)  His  relation  to  the  world: 

Not  of  the  world,  14;  prays  not  for 
the  world,  9. 

(4)  His  prayer: 

For  Himself  to  be  glorified  that  He 
might  glorify  the  Father,  1 ;  to  be 
glorified  zvith  the  Father,  etc.,  5. 

For  His  own  to  keep  them  in  thy  name, 
II ;  that  they  may  be  one,  11,  21 ;  not 
that  they  be  taken  out  of  the  world, 
15;  that  they  be  kept  from  the  evil 
one,  15;  sanctified  in  the  truth,  17; 
that  they  might  be  with  Him,  etc.,  24. 

S.     Jesus  Christ's  own: 
(i)     Who   they  are: 
Those  who  believe,  20. 

(2)  Whose  they  were: 

The  Father's,  6;  compare  9. 

(3)  How  they  became  Jesus   Christ's: 
The   Father   gave  them  unto   Him  out 

of  the  world,  6. 

(4)  What  they  do  : 

Receive  the  Father's  words,  8;  keep 
the  Father's  word,  6;  know  of  a 
truth  that  Jesus  Christ  came  forth 
from  the  Father,  8;  believe  that  the 
Father  sent  Jesus  Christ,  8;  know 
that  all  things  the  Father  gave  Jesus 
Christ  are  of  the  Father,  7. 

(5)  Their  privileges: 

Jesus  Christ  gives  them  the  Father's 
words,  8,  14;  the  Father's  name  is 
manifested     unto    them,    6;     receive 


eternal  life  from  Jesus  Christ,  2; 
kept  in  the  Father's  name  and 
guarded  by  Jesus  Christ,  12;  not  one 
perished,  12;  Jesus  Christ  intercedes 
for  them,  9;  have  Christ's  joy  ful- 
filled in  themselves,  13 ;  sanctified  in 
the  truth,  17,  19;  Christ  dwells  in 
them,  2S;  not  of  the  world  even  as 
Christ  is  not  of  the  world,  14,  16; 
sent  by  Christ  into  the  world  even  as 
the  Father  sent  Him  into  world,  18; 
loved  by  the  Father  even  as  Jesus 
Christ  is,  23 ;  are  to  be  one  even  as 
Christ  and  the  Father  are  one,  22; 
have  the  same  glory  as  Jesus  Christ, 
22. 

(6)     Their  relation  to  the  world : 

In    it.    15;   not   of   it,    14,    16;   hated  by 
it,   14. 

4.    Eternal  life. 

What  it  is: 

"That  they  know  Thee,  the  only  true 

God   and  Jesus    Christ    whom   Thou 

hast  sent,"  3. 
How  it  is  to  be  had: 
Christ's  gift,  2. 
Who  receive  it: 
As  many  as  the  Father  gives  the  Son, 

2;  compare  20. 


5.     The  Word. 
(i)     What  it  is: 
Certain  of  fulfilment,  12;  truth,  17. 

(2)     What  it  does: 

Sanctifies,  17;  separates  from  the 
world,  14;  brings  knowledge  of 
Christ,  8;  brings  fullness  of  joy,  13. 


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Jesus  in  Gethsemane. 


LESSON  127. 

Matthew  26:36-46;    compare  Mark  14:32-42;   Luke 
22:39-45. 


DISCOVERY   OF   THE   FACTS. 

I.  Jcstis  praying — the  disciples  sleeping, 
vv.  36-41- 

Who  entered  the  garden  with  Jesus? 
What  direction  did  He  give  to  His  dis- 
ciples? Why  did  He  wish  them  to  sit 
there?  What  did  He  tell  them  He  was 
going  to  do?  Did  He  tell  them  to  pray 
also?  (Luke  22:40.)  Whom  did  He  take 
with  Him?  For  what  purpose  did  He  take 
them  (v.  38)  ?  On  what  other  occasions 
had  He  taken  them  with  Him?  (Mark 
5:37;  Matt.  17:1.)  If  Christ  takes  us  with 
Him  into  the  Mount  of  Transfiguration 
where  else  may  we  expect  him  to  take  us? 
Which  is  the  more  needful  experience,  the 
mount  of  vision  or  the  garden  of  agony? 
Why  did  He  take  them  and  not  the  others 
also?  Did  the  sequel  show  them  to  be  very 
well  fitted  for  that  to  which  He  called 
them?  In  what  state  of  mind  was  Jesus? 
What  words  does  Mark  use  in  describing 
His  mental  condition?  (Mark  14:33.) 
What  was  the  cause  of  this  awful  storm  of 
bewilderment  and  agony  that  swept  over 
the  Saviour's  soul?  Had  He  ever  before 
been  troubled  at  the  thought  of  the  ap- 
proaching trial?  (John  12:27.)  How  did 
Jesus  Himself  describe  to  His  disciples 
His  state  of  feehng?  What  did  He  mean 
by  the  expression  "even  unto  death"? 
What  detail  added  by  Luke  shows  that  He 
was  actually  at  the  very  point  of  death? 
(Luke  22:44.) 

Why  did  Jesus  suffer  thus?  (2  Cor. 
5:21;  I  Peter  3:18.)  For  whose  sake  did 
He  suffer  this  awful  agony?  (Is.  53:4.) 
What  did  He  tell  the  three  to  do?  Why 
did   He  want   them  to   watch  with   Him? 


What  did  He  Himself  then  do?  Why  did 
He  go  a  little  forward?  How  far  did  He 
go?  (Luke  22:41.)  What  attitude  did 
He  take  before  God?  (Compare  Gen. 
17:3;  Ezek.  1:28;  Num.  16:20-22.)  Why? 
Have  we  any  occasion  to  take  that  attitude 
before  God?  What  did  Jesus  do  as  He 
lay  upon  His  face  before  God?  In  what 
three  different  ways  is  Jesus'  prayer  re- 
corded? (Compare  Mark  14:36;  Luke 
22:42.)  How  are  these  three  accounts  to 
be  reconciled?  In  what  do  the  three  ac- 
counts agree?  What  reason  have  we  for 
supposing  the  cup  which  Jesus  wished  re- 
moved was  the  crucifixion?  (Alatt.  20:22; 
John  18:11.)  What  reasons  have  we  for 
supposing  it  was  not?  (v.  38;  Mark  14:35; 
Heb.  5:7;  John  11:41-42;  i  John  5:15.) 
Supposing  that  it  was  the  cross  from  which 
He  asked  to  be  delivered,  did  Jesus  really 
expect  or  desire  to  be  delivered  from  the 
cross?  (c.  20:22;  John  12:27;  10:17,  18.) 
Is  there,  even  in  that  case,  any  ground  in 
this  incident  for  the  inference  that  is  so 
often  drawn  from  it  that  God  may  not  give, 
even  to  His  most  trusting  and  obedient 
child,  the  things  he  actually  desires  and  ex- 
pects? Is  there  any  warrant  in  the  Bible 
for  saying  that  God  will  always  give  to 
His  child  that  is  abiding  in  Him  what  He 
desires  and  asks  for?  (i  John  3:22;  John 
15:7.)  If  Christ's  prayer  was  that  He 
might  be  spared  from  the  death  that  threat- 
.ened  Him  in  the  garden,  how  was  it  an- 
swered? (Luke  22:43.)  Ought  we  to  in- 
sert, "If  it  be  Thy  will,"  into  all  our  pray- 
ers ?  While  Jesus  was  praying  what  were 
the  disciples  doing?  Had  they  fallen 
asleep  at  once?  What  was  the  cause  of 
their    sleeping?      (Luke    22:45.)      Sorrow 


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301 


about  what?  Was  their  sleeping  excus- 
able? Of  what  prophecy  about  Christ  was 
it   a  fulfillment?      (Ps.   69:20.) 

What  will  best  help  us  to  understand 
this  startling  insensibility  to  Christ's  agony 
on  the  part  of  His  disciples?  What  did 
Jesus  say  to  them?  What  was  the  inten- 
tion of  those  words?  Does  this  rebuke 
ever  apply  to  us  ?  To  whom  particularly 
was  the  rebuke  addressed?  Why  (v.  35)? 
What  warning  did  He  take  occasion  to  give 
them?  What  does  "watch"  mean?  What 
was  to  be  the  purpose  of  their  watching? 
What  does  "that  ye  enter  not  into  tempta- 
tion" mean?  How  much  of  the  time  does 
one  need  to  be  watching?  Why?  (i  Peter 
5:8;  Matt.  24:42.)  What  should  always 
go  with  and  be  the  outcome  of  watching? 
(i  Peter  4:7.)  Why  is  it  that  so  many 
Christians  feel  so  little  the  need  of  earnest 
prayer?  (Eph.  6:18.)  Why  has  the 
watchful  Christian  no  need  to  fear  the  out- 
come of  the  temptations  that  do  come?  (i 
Cor.  10:12,  13;  2  Peter  2:9.)  Has  the 
careless  Christian  any  right  to  rest  upon 
those  promises  ?  What  special  reason  did 
Jesus  give  for  watching  and  prayer? 
Where  in  the  Bible  is  the  opposition  be- 
tween flesh  and  Spirit  most  full}^  devel- 
oped? (Ro.  7:18-25.)  Where  are  we 
told  to  conquer  the  weakness  of  the  flesh? 
(Gal.  5:16.)  What  has  the  Christian  done 
with  the  flesh?  (Gal.  5:24.)  What  illus- 
tration had  Peter  just  given  of  the  willing- 
ness of  the  Spirit?     (Compare  v.  35.) 

2.  Jesus  praying  the  second  time,  and 
the  third  time — tlie  disciples  still  sleeping, 
ire'.   42-46. 

After  this  warning  what  did  Jesus  do? 
What  did  the  disciples  do  this  time  while 
He  prayed?  What  especial  reason  that 
they  be  praying  at  that  time?  What  was 
the    result    of    their    sleeping    when    they 


ought  to  have  been  praying?  (vv.  56,  72.) 
Had  they  any  excuse  to  offer?  (Mark 
14:40.)  Suppose  we  should  be  called  to 
account  by  Jesus  for  our  sleepiness,  what 
excuse  would  we  have  to  offer?  What  did 
Jesus  then  do?  How  does  this  tally  with  c. 
6:7?  What  did  He  say  to  the  disciples 
then?  What  did  He  mean  by  "Sleep  on 
now"?  What  happened  just  at  that  mo- 
ment? What  did  Jesus  then  say?  Did  He 
want  to  run  away?  (Luke  9:51.)  In  what 
two  different  ways  did  Christ  and  His 
disciples  meet  sorrow? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.     Jesus. 

(i)     His   nature,   human,   38,   39,   42,   44, 
45- 

(2)  His  relation  to  our  temptations : 
Tempted   in   all  points   like   as   we   are, 

38-44;  compare  Heb.  4:15;  2:18. 
Conquered  temptations  in  the  same 
way  we  may,  by  prayer,  39  cf.  41. 

(3)  What  He  suffered: 

Betra3'ed    by    Judas,    45,    46:     sorrow 
even  unto  death,  38. 

(4)  How  He  prepared  for  the  coming 
trial  and  met  present  agony,  by 
prayer,  36-42. 

(5)  His   longing  for  human    sympathy: 
"Sit    ye    here,"    36;    "Took    with    Him 

Peter,"  etc.,  2)7',  "Watch  with  Me," 
38;  "Cometh  unto  His  disciples,"  40; 
"Could  ye  not  watch  with  Me,"  40; 
"Came  again,"  43,  R.  V. 

(6)  His  desire  to  be  alone  with  God: 
He  went  forward  a  little,  39.  R.  V. 

(7)  His   bitter  disappointment: 

He  looked  for  sympathizers  and  found 
none,  36-38,  40 ;  compare  Ps.  69 :20. 

(8)  His  prayer: 

Where  He  prayed;  in  solitude,  z^,  39; 
in  the  garden  on  the  mountain  side, 


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30,  36;   in  the  accustomed  place,  36; 
compare  Luke  22:39;  John  18:2. 

When  He  prayed :  In  His  great  ex- 
tremity, 38. 

For  what  He  prayed :  The  cup  or 
hour  to  pass  along^  39;  compare 
Mark  14:35;  Heb.  5  7;  i  John  5:15. 

How  He  prayed:  On  His  face,  39; 
With  great  earnestness,  39-44 ;  com- 
pare Luke  22:44;  Heb.  5:7;  with 
filial  trust,  39;  in  submission  to  the 
Father's  will;  39;  importunately,  39- 
44- 

Peter. 
(i)     His  privileges : 

Taken  to  the  scene  of  Christ's  tempta- 
tion and  victory,  37;  the  beginnings 
of  failure  pointed  out  by  the  Saviour, 
40;  instructed  by  the  Saviour  to  meet 
and  conquer  temptation  by  watching 
and  prayer,  41. 
(2)     His   mistakes : 


Slept  when  he  should  have  prayed,  40^ 
41- 
(3)     His  failures : 

Could  not  watch  with  Christ  one  hour 
while  he  had  boasted  he  could  die 
with  Him,  35,  40;  fell  asleep  again 
and  again  after  the  Saviour  had 
plead  for  his  wakeful  sympathy, 
40-45- 

The  disciples. 
(i)     Their  likeness  to  one  another: 

All  highly  favored,  36. 

(2)  Slept: 

When  they  should  have  watched  and 
prayed,  40,  41 ;  while  Jesus  agonized, 
38-40;  after  being  rebuked  for  sleep- 
ing, 43 ;  while  Jesus  prayed,  40 ; 
failed  while  Jesus  triumphed,  31. 

(3)  The  cause  of  failure: 

"The  spirit  indeed  is  willing  but  the 
flesh  is  weak,"  41  ;  neglect  of  God's 
way  of  victory  over  the  weakness  of 
the  flesh — prayer,  41-44. 


LESSON  128. 

The  Arrest  of  Jesus  and  Peter's  Denial.     Mark  14:43-54,  66-72;    compare 

Matthew  26:47-56,  69-75;   Luke  22:47-62;   John  18:1-27. 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.    Jesus  betrayed,  tv.  43-49. 

Who  came  to  arrest  Jesus?  Who  led 
the  way?  (Luke  22:47.)  Had  Judas  ever 
been  there  before?  (John  18:2.)  What 
had  Judas  seen  and  heard  there  in  times 
past?  Did  the  sacred  memory  of  these 
things  hold  Judas  back  from  his  awful  sin? 
Why  not?  (John  18:27,  f.  h.)  What  kind 
of  a  company  was  it  that  came  to  arrest 
Jesus?  (Compare  John  18:3,  R-  V.) 
What  preparations  had  they  made  for  His 
capture?  (Compare  John  18:3,  R.  V.,  mar- 
gin.) Why  had  they  made  these  prepara- 
tions? Were  they  necessary  (vv.  48,  49)? 
Would  they  have  been  of  any  use  if  Jesus 


had  seen  fit  to  resist  arrest?  (Matt. 
26:53.)  What  two  bands  were  to  meet  in 
that  garden?  Who  was  at  the  head  of  the 
one?  Who  at  the  head  of  the  other? 
From  whom  did  this  mob  come?  Why 
does  Mark  mention  this  fact?  Did  they 
need  to  search  much  for  Jesus?  (John 
18:4.)  What  sign  had  Judas  appointed  by 
which  they  might  distinguish  Jesus? 

What  must  have  been  the  state  of  Judas' 
heart  that  he  could  appoint  such  a  means 
of  betrayal  as  that?  Do  people  nowadays 
ever  betray  Jesus  by  professions  of  loyalty 
and  love?  What  had  Judas  told  them  to 
do  with  the  one  he  kissed?  Why  was  Ju- 
das   so   anxious    that   Jesus    should   by   no 


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303 


possibility  escape?  Who  is  always  the  bit- 
terest and  most  determined  hater  of  the 
Saviour?  What  lay  at  the  bottom  of 
Judas'  hatred  of  Jesus?  Was  Judas  al- 
lowed to  kiss  Jesus  without  a  protest  on 
His  part?  (Luke  22:47,  48.)  What  was 
the  purpose  of  that  protest?  Did  that  pro- 
test deter  Judas  from  kissing  Him?  What 
will  deter  one  from  his  purposed  sin  when 
his  heart  is  fully  set  within  him  to  do  evil? 
Did  the  opportunity  and  grace  that  Judas 
spurned  make  his  fall  any  the  less  deep? 
Did  Judas  kiss  Jesus  only  once?  What  is 
the  significance  of  this  repeated  kissing? 
Was  Jesus  ever  kissed  again  on  earth?  As 
soon  as  Judas  had  kissed  Him  what  was 
done?  (Compare  John  18:12.)  Did  the 
disciples  make  any  resistance?  Was  it  a 
very  wise  act  on  Peter's  part?  Did  it  re- 
veal any  lack  of  faith?     (Matt.  26:53.) 

What  does  it  always  reveal  when  we 
come  to  the  help  of  Christ's  cause  with  car- 
nal weapons  ?  How  did  the  rest  show  a 
wisdom  superior  to  Peter's?  (Luke  22:49.) 
Was  Peter's  blow  very  well  directed? 
Why  not?  What  prompted  it?  What  was 
the  trouble  with  the  love?  Which  is  bet- 
ter, rash  love  or  the  calculating  selfishness 
that  criticises  because  it  lacks  the  courage 
to  imitate?  What  is  better  than  either? 
Were  the  disciples  cowards?  What  did 
they  have  the  courage  to  do?  What  did 
they  lack  the  courage  to  do?  Which  is 
the  higher  kind  of  courage?  To  which 
kind  of  courage  is  it  that  God  calls  us  now? 
(i  Peter  2:20,  21.)  Did  Peter's  courage 
last?  Does  the  courage  that  manifests  it- 
self in  acts  of  rash  daring  usually  last? 
What  was  Peter  trying  to  prove?  (Luke 
22  ■.3;^.)  Did  this  act  get  Peter  into  any 
trouble  (v.  26)  ?  Did  Peter  get  any  praise 
for  his  daring  act?  (John  18:11;  Matt. 
26:52.)     When  alone  will  a  daring  act  win 


the  Master's  praise?  Did  Jesus  protest 
against  the  manner  of  His  arrest?  With 
what  thought  did  He  comfort  Himself  in 
view  of  all  the  ignominy  of  it?  What 
Scripture  was  fulfilled  by  this  coming  out 
after  Him  as  after  a  robber  and  the  de- 
sertion by  His  disciples?  (Is.  43:12,  27, 
last  half;  compare  Zech.  13:7.)  To  whom 
did  the  disciples  owe  their  opportunity  to 
escape?     (John  18:8.) 

2.    Jesus  forsaken,  vv.  50-53. 

When  the  disciples  found  they  were  not 
to  be  allowed  to  fight,  did  their  courage 
last?  Would  we  have  done  any  better? 
Were  they  as  much  to  blame  for  deserting 
Jesus  in  the  hour  of  peril  as  we  would  be 
today?  Did  the  time  ever  come  when  they 
would  not  forsake  Him?  (Acts  4:19,  20; 
5:28-32.)  Is  there  anything  better  for  us 
to  depend  upon  to  keep  us  from  deserting 
Him  than  our  love  to  Him  ?  Who  might 
we  have  expected  from  former  professions 
to  have  stayed  by  Jesus  in  this  hour  of 
peril?  (John  13:3?;  c.  10:38,  39.)  Ought 
the  disciple  who  closely  follows  Jesus  ex- 
pect that  there  may  be  times  when  he,  too, 
will  be  deserted  by  trusted  friends  and  left 
alone?  (Matt.  10:24;  John  15:20;  2  Tim. 
4:16.)  Was  Jesus  entirely  alone?  (John 
16:32.)  When  all  men  desert  us  are  we 
alone?  (Matt.  28:20;  2  Tim.  4:16,  17.)  Is 
.that  enough?  Was  there  any  human  sym- 
pathizer left  when  the  eleven  had  fled? 
Who  was  this  young  man?  (Compare 
Acts  12:12;  15:38.)  Did  Mark  stay  long? 
What  were  all  those  who  now  surrounded 
Jesus?  Where  did  they  lead  Him?  What 
had  they  alreadv  determined  upon?  (c.  14: 
I.) 

[Note.— The  preliminary  trial  of  Jesus 
before  Annas  previous  to  His  bein<?  taken 
before  Caiaphas,  recorded  only  in  John 
(John  18:12-27),  occurred  at  this  point,  but 


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will  not  be  considered  separately  from  the 
trial  before  Caiaphas]. 

J.    Jesus  denied,  vz:  54,  66-72. 

Was  there  anyone  who  did  not  altogether 
desert  the  Saviour?  How  had  he  said  that 
very  night  that  he  would  follow?  (John 
'^T,'})?-)  How  did  he  follow?  How  far  did 
Peter  follow?  Was  that  a  safe  place  for 
Peter?  What  warning  of  the  Saviour's 
ought  he  to  have  remembered?  (v.  38.) 
What  did  Peter  do  when  he  got  into  the 
court?  For  what  purpose  did  he  go  and 
sit  down  by  the  fire?  Was  it  wise?  (Ps. 
1:1;  Matt.  6:13.)  Is  it  wise  for  us  to 
seek  comfort  at  the  enemies'  fire?  Do  pro- 
fessed Christians  ever  do  it  nowadays? 
How?  What  is  it  pretty  sure  to  end  in? 
For  what  purpose  alone  can  the  Christian 
safely  seek  the  society  of  the  unsaved?  Is 
there  any  fact  recorded  in  this  lesson  that 
grieved  Jesus  more  than  this  ill  treatment 
on  the  part  of  His  avowed  enemies? 
Which  grieves  Jesus  more  today,  the  oppo- 
sition of  avowed  enemies  or  the  denial  of 
His  professed  friends?  Where  was  Peter? 
Does  it  ever  happen  nowadays  that  those 
who  are  very  outspoken  and  zealous  for 
Christ  when  surrounded  by  Christian  asso- 
ciations try  to  cover  up  their  allegiance 
to  Hini  when  in  the  midst  of  ungodly  com- 
panions? What  charge  was  made  against 
Peter?  Was  that  a  thing  to  be  ashamed" 
of?  Are  people  ever  ashamed  of  it  nowa- 
days? What  does  Christ  say  of  such?  (c. 
8:38.)  Who  made  the  charge?  (John 
18:17.)  How  did  she  know  him?  (Luke 
22:56.)  How  did  Peter  receive  this  accusa- 
tion? Had  this  denial  been  predicted?  (v. 
30.)  Was  Peter  then  to  blame?  What 
steps  had  led  up  to  this  sad  denial?  (v. 
29;  compare  Prov.  29:23;  vv.  30,  31;  com- 
pare Prov.  28:26;  vv.  37-41;  vv.  47,  54.) 
Who    was    back    of    Peter's    fall?      (Luke 


22:31.)  What  need  have  we  to  be  on  our 
guard  against  a  like  fall?  (i  Peter  5:8.) 
Will  God  allow  us  to  be  led  into  any  place 
where  we  cannot  stand?  (i  Cor.  10:13.) 
In  order  that  we  may  continue  to  stand, 
what  is  it  necessary  that  we  do?  (i  Cor. 
10:12.)  Were  Peter's  troubles  settled  by 
this  first  denial  ?  Can  we  ever  get  our- 
selves permanently  out  of  our  difficulties 
by  lying?  What  did  Peter  do  after  this 
first  denial?  What  occurred  then?  How 
did  he  meet  the  accusation  this  time?  How 
do  we  see  that  he  was  sinking  deeper  into 
the  mire?  (compare  Matt.  26:72.)  Did 
Peter's  troubles  end  with  his  perjury? 
How  long  did  he  have  for  reflection  be- 
tween his  second  and  third  denial?  (Luke 
22:59.)  Had  that  hour  been  well  spent? 
How  did  they  back  up  the  charge  this 
time?  (Compare  John  18:26.)  Who 
acted  as  spokesman  for  the  company? 
(John  18:26.)  How  did  Peter  meet  the 
charge  this  time?  What  reason  had  Peter 
for  being  especially  emphatic  this  time?  Is 
it  a  good  reason  for  believing  a  man  is 
telling  the  truth  because  he  seeks  to  confirm 
his  word  by  imprecations?  What  happened 
just  then?  What  eflFect  had  that  crowing 
upon  Peter?  Hadn't  the  cock  crowed  be- 
fore (v.  ^2)  ?  What  was  it  that  went  along 
with  the  cock  crowing  this  time  that 
awakened  Peter?  (Luke  22:61.)  What 
kind  of  a  look  was  it?  What  did  Peter  do 
after  that  look?  What  better  evidence  of 
repentance  did  Peter  give  than  tears? 
(Acts  4:18-20;  5:28,  29.)  Was  there  the 
same  spirit  of  denying  Christ  lurking  in 
the  hearts  of  the  other  disciples  that  came 
out  openly  in  Peter?  Do  Christians  ever 
deny  the  Master  now?  How?  What  dif- 
ference was  there  between  Peter  and  Judas 
in   their  fall?      (Matt.  27:3-5.)      How  was 


Peter     saved     from     utter 


(Luke 


22:32.)      What   saves   us?      (Heb.   7:25;    i 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


305 


John  2:1.)  Was  the  fall  in  any  way  a 
good  thing  for  Peter?  (John  21:15-17.) 
Did  Jesus  forgive  Peter  his  denial?  (c. 
16:7.)  What  proof  have  we  that  Peter 
learned  the  lesson  of  this  experience  well? 
(i  Peter  3:15;  5:5,  6,  8;  2  Peter  2:1.) 
Which  of  Peter's  professions  of .  love  to 
Jesus  meant  the  most,  that  which  he  made 
before  his  trial  and  fall  (John  13:37)  or 
that  which  he  made  after  he  was  forgiven 
(John  21  :i7)  ?  How  can  we  invite  to  our- 
selves just  such  a  humiliating  fall  as  this  of 
Peter? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  Jesus  Christ. 

(i)     His  character: 

His  deep  humility,  allowing  Himself  to 
be  treated  as  a  felon,  46,  48 ;  com- 
pare Matt.  26:53  I 

His  absolute  fearlessness,  48,  49; 

His  imperturable  calmness,  48,  49 ; 

His  sublime  dignity,  48,  49 ; 

His  unhesitating  submission  to  the 
Father's  will  and  the  revealed  Word, 
49; 

His  keen  sensitiveness,  48; 

His  wondrous  love,  loving  even  Judas, 
43-45;  compare  Luke  22:47,  48. 

(2)     His  treatment  by  men  : 

The  chief  priests  and  the  scribes  and 
the  elders  treated  Him  as  an  outlaw, 
sent  a  mob  with  swords  and  stones, 
etc.,  to  take  Him,  43,  48. 

The  mob  laid  their  hands  on  Him  and 
arrested  Him,  46. 

He  was  betrayed  by  one  disciple,  43, 
44;  denied  by  another,  66-72;  for- 
saken by  all,  50. 

2.  Peter. 

(i)     His  love  for  his  Master: 
Its  daring,  47;  its  instability,  50,  66-72. 


(2)  His  courage: 

He  had  the  impulsive  courage  to  strike 
in  the  face  of  overwhelming  num- 
bers, 47; 

He  lacked  the  steady  courage  to  stand 
at  his  post  and  do  nothing  but  await 
orders,  50. 

(3)  His  blow: 

He  struck  without  orders,  47; 

He  struck  without  intelligent  purpose, 
47; 

He  struck  without  taking  aim,  47; 

Results  of  the  blow  were  severance  of 
a  poor  slave's  ear,  47,  and  his  own 
fall,  47;  compare  John  18:26,  27. 

(4)  His  fall: 

The  cause  was  his  trust  in  his  own  love 
to  Christ  (later  he  trusted  in  Christ's 
love  to  him  and  stood),  66-72;  com- 
pare John  13  :z7- 

The  steps  in  his  fall  were :  He  struck 
a  rash,  foolish,  unnecessary  and  un- 
bidden blow,  47;  forsook  Christ  and 
fled,  50;  followed  afar  off,  54;  went 
into  a  place  of  temptation,  54;  sat 
with  Christ's  enemies,  54;  sought 
comfort  at  the  enemies'  fire,  54; 
frightened  by  the  charge  preferred  by 
a  maid,  68;  denied  his  Lord,  68;  de- 
nied Him  again  with  an  oath,  70; 
compare  Matt.  26:72.  Denied  Him 
the  third  time  with  cursing  and 
swearing,  71;  (see  also  v.  29;  com- 
pare Prov.  29:23,  30,  31;  compare 
Prov.  28:26;  vv.  37-41.) 

(5)  His  repentance : 

Its  cause  was  the  remembered  word  of 

Christ,  72; 
Its  manifestation  was  His  weeping,  72; 
He  proved  loyal  in   the  face  of  awful 
peril,  Acts  4:19,  20;  5:29. 
3.    Judas. 

(i)     His  perfidy: 
Acted  as  the  tool  of  the  enemies  of  his 


306 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


Friend  and  Master,  43;  consorted 
with  the  enemies  of  his  Friend  and 
Master,  43;  compare  John  18:5;  be- 
trayed his  Friend  and  Master,  44,  45. 

(2)  His  hypocrisy: 

Betrayed  Christ  with  a  kiss  (Human- 
ity's parting  kiss  to  its  Saviour  was 
the  kiss  of  Judas),  44,  45. 

(3)  His   insensibility  to  holy   feeling: 
Betrayed  his  Master  at  the  spot  where 


he   had    often    seen    Him    bowed    in 
prayer,  43;  compare  John  18:2. 
(4)     The    bitterness    of    his    hatred    to 
Christ: 

Feared    lest    by    some    mischance    He 
should    escape    the    cruelty   and    vio- 
lence of  His  enemies,  44. 
4.     The  Word  of  God. 

Its  certainty,  49;  its  power  to  strength- 
en the  heart  in  sore  trial,  49;  its 
power  to  produce  repentance,  72. 


LESSON  129. 

Jesus  Before  Caiaphas  and  the  Sanhedrin.     Mark  14:55-65;    compare 

Matthew  26:57-67;    Luke  22:54-56,  63-65. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE   FACTS. 

[Note. — Though  in  Matthew  and  Mark 
this  trial  is  given  before  the  denial  by  Peter, 
by  a  comparison  with  John's  Gospel  we 
find  that  the  denial  occurred  before  this, 
during  the  preliminary  trial  before  Annas. 
Apparently  Jesus  was  led  from  the  house 
of  Annas  across  the  court,  where  Peter  was 
standing,  to  the  house  of  Caiaphas  and,  as 
He  passed  by,  looked  at  Peter  and  this  to- 
gether with  the  cock-crowing  brought 
everything  to  Peter's  mind  and  led  him  to 
burst  into  tears.    Compare  Luke  22:60-62.] 

I.  The  Son  of  God  slandered  and  silent, 
vv.  55-63- 

What  was  the  one  great  desire  of  Jesus' 
judges?  For  what  did  the  authorities  seek 
in  order  to  carry  out  their  purpose  against 
Jesus?  Did  they  meet  with  any  success? 
Why  not?  What  is  one  of  the  very  best 
proofs  that  the  life  of  Jesus  was  absolutely 
spotless?  How  can  we  make  sure  that  our 
bitterest  enemies  shall  find  nothing  against 
us?  Why  had  not  these  chief  priests  their 
witnesses   ready   beforehand?      (w.    i,   2.) 


Why  did  they  not  hold  Him  until  they 
could  make  up  a  case?  What  sort  of  men 
in  their  outward  lives  were  those  who 
sought  so  eagerly  to  compass  the  death  of 
Jesus?  (Matt.  23:27.)  What  sort  of  men 
were  they  religiously?  (Matt.  23:15-23.) 
What  class  of  men  most  bitterly  hate  real 
heart  piety?  Is  the  statement  so  often 
made  that  a  "Christlike  life  will  win  every 
one"  true?  (John  15:19,  20.)  Of  what 
Bible  statements  is  this  eager  desire  of  the 
leading  religious  men  of  the  day  to  con- 
vict and  kill  the  Son  of  God  (and  suborn- 
ing perjury  to  compass  their  ends)  an  il- 
lustration? (Jer.  17:9;  Ro.  8:7.)  What 
kind  of  witness  against  Jesus  did  they  find? 
Were  there  only  one  or  two  who  were 
ready  to  lie  about  Jesus?  Can  you  find 
any  persons  nowadays  who  are  willing  to 
lie  about  good  people?  Ought  we  to  be 
ready  to  believe  what  we  hear  against 
people  though  a  great  many  say  so?  If 
many  lied  about  Jesus  what  may  we  ex- 
pect if  we  live  like  Him?  What  great  dif- 
ficulty was  there  with  the  lies  these  men 
told  about  Jesus?  What  may  we  be  pretty 
sure  will  be  the  case  with  the  lies  people 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


307 


tell  about  us  if  we  live  like  Him?  Do  the 
infidels  of  the  present  day  who  lie  about 
Christ  agree  in  their  testimonies?  Did 
these  false  testimonies  against  Himself  to 
which  Jesus  was  obliged  to  listen  wound 
His  heart?  (Ps.  35:11,  12,  15.)  If  there 
had  been  any  sense  of  justice  in  the  judges, 
what  would  they  have  done  when  they 
could  find  no  witnesses  against  Jesus  and 
even  the  false  witnesses  contradicted  one 
another?  Why  did  they  not  let  Him  go? 
How  do  many  who  sit  in  judgment  on 
Christianity  today  show  that  they  are  deter- 
mined to  arrive  at  an  adverse  judgment? 
Who  are  they  like?  What  was  it  led  these 
false  witnesses  to  lie  about  Jesus?  What 
did  the  last  false  witnesses  swear  to? 
(Matt.  26:60,  61.)  Had  Jesus  said  that? 
What  had  He  said?  (John  2:19.)  Which 
is  the  most  dangerous  sort  of  a  lie,  one 
made  out  of  whole  cloth  or  one  that  per- 
verts words  actually  spoken?  How  many 
gave  this  false  testimony?  (Matt.  26: 
60.)  What  was  the  trouble  with  their  testi- 
mony? How  did  it  differ?  (Compare  Matt. 
26:61.)  What  reply  had  Jesus  made  to  all 
these  false  charges?  Why  had  he  not  an- 
swered? (i  Peter  2:23.)  Is  this  an  ex- 
ample to  be  followed  by  us  when  we  are 
lied  about?  (i  Peter  2:21.)  Does  an  inno- 
cent man  need  to  deny  and  disprove  slan- 
der? (Ps.  37:5.6.)  What  was  the  effect  of 
the  silence  of  Jesus  upon  the  high  priest? 
Did  Jesus  reply  to  the  first  question  of  the 
high  priest? 

2.  The  Son  of  God  revealed  and  reject- 
ed, 63-65. 

What  did  the  high  priest  finally  ask 
Him?  (Compare  Matt.  26:63.)  For  what 
purpose    was    this    question    intended?      In 


what  did  the  question  really  result?  What 
was  Jesus'  reply?  If  Jesus  was  not  "the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God,"  what  was  He? 
What  does  the  one  who  denies  that  Jesus  is 
"the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,"  make  Him? 
Was  Caiaphas  glad  to  hear  Jesus  say  He 
was  the  Son  of  God?  Why?  What  words 
did  Jesus  add  that  made  his  triumphing 
short?  What  do  those  words  imply? 
When  that  day  comes,  who  will  be  the  ac- 
cused and  who  the  judge?  What  will  be 
the  experience  of  Caiaphas  and  the  San- 
hedrin  when  they  see  Him,  whom  they 
condemned  as  a  blasphemer  and  sent  to  the 
cross,  upon  the  judgment  throne?  How 
did  Caiaphas  feel  when  he  heard  these 
words?  What  will  be  the  feeling  of  all 
who  reject  Jesus  in  that  day?  Did  the 
Sanhedrin  investigate  the  truth  of  Jesus' 
claim?  Why  not?  What  did  they  do? 
By  condemning  Jesus  to  death  upon  the 
bare  claim  that  He  was  the  Son  of  God 
what  did  they  practically  assert?  Upon 
what  charge  did  they  condemn  Him?  Was 
He  a  blasphemer?  What  was  He  then? 
How  do  we  know  He  was  not  a  blasphemer, 
but  the  Son  of  God?  (John  14:20.)  What 
made  them  think  that  they  had  proof 
enough  and  needed  no  more  witnesses? 
How  was  Jesus  treated  after  this  verdict? 
Was  this  the  only  time  Jesus  was  so 
treated?  (Luke  23:11;  Mark  15:16-20.) 
For  whose  sake  did  He  suffer  all  this? 
(Is.  53:5.)  What  prophecy  was  fulfilled? 
(Is.  50:6;  53:3.)  What  treatment  would 
we  naturally  expect  for  Him?  With  what 
coin  does  the  world  usually  pay  its  bene- 
factors? What  is  the  only  explanation  of 
why  one  so  good,  so  humble,  so  compas- 
sionate, so  divine  should  receive  such 
treatment  as  Christ  did  at  the  hands  of 
men?  Is  human  nature  essentially  differ- 
ent today?  Who  is  the  God  of  this  world? 
(2  Cor.  4:4.) 


308 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus  Christ. 

(i)  His  divinity: 
Jesus  testified  under  oath  that  He  was 
"the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God."  The 
one  who  denies  it  makes  Jesus  a  per- 
jurer and  a  blasphemer,  6i,  62;  com- 
pare Matt.  26:63,  64. 

(2)  His  treatment: 

Hated,  55  (a  ChristHke  life  makes  as 
many  enemies  as  friends  in  this  god- 
less age;  compare  John  15:18-20.) 
His  death  planned,  55; 

Testimony  against  Him  eagerly  sought, 
55;  many  testified  falsely  against 
Him,  56;  (however  purely  one  may 
live  many  can  be  found  to  lie  about 
him.)  Condemned  to  death  as  a 
blasphemer  for  bearing  witness  that 
He  was  the  Son  of  God,  64; 

Spit  upon,  buffeted  and  mocked  by  the 
leading  men,  65 ;  compare  Is.  53 :3-5. 
Received  by  the  servants  with  blows, 
65- 

(3)  The  charges  against  Him : 
Blasphemy     against     the     temple,     58; 

blasphemy  against  God,  62-64.  (That 
men  bring  serious  charges  against  a 
man  proves  nothing  against  him ; 
the  religious  leaders  of  the  day  did 
the  same  against  Jesus.) 

(4)  His  conduct: 

Silent  under  false  accusation,  60,  6x ; 
compare  i  Peter  2:21.  (Caiaphas  sat 
in  judgment  and  Jesus  was  silent  be- 
fore him  in  conscious  innocence. 
Jesus  will  sit  in  judgment  and 
Caiaphas  will  be  speechless  in  con- 
scious   guilt.)       Silent    under    abuse 


and  insult,  65 ;  compare  Peter  2  :23 ; 
sinless.  The  testimony  of  false  wit- 
nesses contradictory,  56,  59.  (There 
is  little  need  that  a  child  of  God 
spend  time  in  answering  the  wit- 
nesses against  him.  Leave  them  alone 
and  they  will  contradict  one  another ; 
compare  Ps.  37:5,  6.)  His  worst 
enemies  could  find  no  testimony 
against  Him,  55. 

(5)     His  coming  glory: 
He  shall  sit  at  the  right  hand  of  power, 
62 ;  He  shall  come  with  the  clouds  of 
heaven,  62. 

3.     The  chief  priests  and  the  zvhole  coun- 
cil. 

(i)  Their  hatred  of  Christ: 
Determined  to  put  Him  to  death,  55; 
sought  witness  against  Him,  55;  still 
held  Him  though  they  could  find  no 
witness  against  Him,  55;  sought  to 
entangle  Him,  61 ;  condemned  Him  to 
death  without  evidence,  64;  spit  upon 
Him,  buffeted  Him  and  mocked  Him, 
65.  (The  human  heart  is  thoroughly 
bad  and  at  enmity  against  God,  as 
seen  in  its  past  and  present  treatment 
of  His  Son;  compare  Jer.  17:9;  Ro. 
8:7.  What  are  you  doing  with 
Jesus?) 

(2)  The  overturning  of  their  plans, 
(compare  Ps.  76:10.) 
Their  futile  attempt  to  blacken  the 
character  of  Jesus  only  served  to  il- 
lustrate its  perfection,  55;  their  at- 
tempt to  ensnare  Him  into  a  compro- 
mising statement  only  served  to 
bring  out  the  most  unmistakable  tes- 
timony to  His  kingship,  divinity  and 
coming  glory,   62. 


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309 


LESSON   130. 


Jesus'  Trial  Before  Pilate.     Luke  23: 
Mark   15:1-20; 

DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     Jesus  before  Pilate,  vv.  /-/. 

What  do  we  see  done  with  Jesus  in  v.  i 
of  the  lesson?  Was  it  only  by  a  few  that 
Jesus  was  thus  treated?  Of  whom  was  the 
company  composed?  (c.  22:66.)  Why  did 
the  whole  company  rise  up  and  take  Him 
and  not  a  delegation?  What  did  they  do 
with  Him  before  they  led  Him  away? 
(Matt.  27:2.)  Were  those  bonds  necessary? 
What  was  the  purpose  of  them?  Did  they 
add  anything  to  the  indignity  done  to 
Christ  and  the  grief  He  felt?  What  ac- 
cusaton  did  they  bring  against  Him?  Was 
that  the  charge  they  had  indicted  Him  upon 
in  their  preliminary  trial?  (Matt.  26:65, 
66.)  Is  it  just  or  legal  to  indict  a  man 
upon  one  charge  and  then  present  an  en- 
tirely different  charge  in  court?  Are  men 
today  any  fairer  in  their  treatment  of 
Christ  and  His  claims?  Was  the  charge 
that  He  forbade  to  give  tribute  to  Csesar 
true?  (c.  20:20,  25.)  Are  the  charges  of 
Christ's  enemies  usually  true?  If  the  charge 
was  not  true,  why  did  they  make  it?  Were 
the  men  who  made  this  charge  usually  ac- 
counted respectable,  moral  and  religious 
men?  How  did  these  men  show  before  the 
day  was  out  that  they  were  not  honest  in 
making  the  charge  of  disloyalty  to  Caesar, 
and  that  the\^  were  not  such  ardent  sup- 
porters of  Caesar's  authority  as  their  ac- 
cusation would  make  it  appear  (vv.  18,  19, 
25)? 

Was  this  the  first  charge  that  they  pre- 
ferred against  Christ  before  Pilate?  (Mark 
0:1-3;  John  18:30;  19:12.)  Was  there 
any  part  of  their  charge  that  was  true? 
(Compare    Mark    14:61,    62.)      Was    their 


1-25;    compare  Matthew  27:2,  11-31; 
John   18:28-39. 

statement  true  in  the  way  they  put  it? 
(Compare  John  18:36.)  Is  it  possible  to 
put  such  a  statement,  which  is  true  in  itself, 
in  such  a  setting  that  the  impression  pro- 
duced is  false?  Is  this  a  common  way  of 
lying?  What  question  did  Pilate  put  to 
Jesus?  What  was  Jesus'  answer?  What 
does  that  answer  mean?  (Compare  Mark 
14:61,  62  with  Matt.  26:63,  64.)  Did 
Jesus  explain  to  Pilate  in  what  sense  He 
was  a  king?  (John  18:33-37.)  What  was 
Pilate's  decision  about  Jesus  (v.  4)  ?  Was 
this  the  only  time  that  Pilate  came  to  this 
conclusion?  (v.  14;  John  18:38;  19:4-6.) 
Was  there  any  one  else  who  found  no 
fault  in  Him  (v.  15)  ?  Why  could  they 
find  no  fault  in  Him?  (Heb.  7:26;  i  Peter 
1:19;  2:22.)  If  there  was  no  fault  in  Him 
what  was  the  proper  thing  for  Pilate  to  do 
with  Him?  Why  did  he  not  do  it  (v.  5)  ? 
Are  men  nowadays  ever  kept  from  doing 
the  right  thing  with  Christ  by  the  outcry  of 
iTien  and  their  own  fear  of  man? 

What  is  the  result  of  yielding  to  the  fear 
of  man?  (Prov.  29:25.)  When  should  Pi- 
late have  let  Jesus  go?  Did  he  gain  any- 
thing by  a  policy  of  delay  or  compromise? 
Do  we  ever  gain  anything,  when  we  know 
what  is  right,  by  delay  or  attempt  to  com- 
promise with  evil  doers?  Did  Pilate  wish 
to  do  the  right  thing  with  Jesus?  (Acts 
3:13.')  Was  Pilate's  purpose  to  do  the 
right  thing  with  Jesus  as  strong  as  the 
purpose  of  His  enemies  to  do  the  wrong 
thing  with  Him?  When  you  have  a  man 
with  a  weak  purpose  to  do  the  right  pitted 
against  men  with  a  strong  purpose  to  do 
the  wrong,  which  will  always  conquer? 
What   did    Pilate    end   by    doing    (v.    24)  ? 


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When  a  man  begins  by  delaying  or  com- 
promising what  will  he  always  end  by 
doing?  Was  there  any  element  of  truth  in 
the  second  charge  (v.  5)  that  the  enemies 
of  Jesus  made  against  Him?  How  did 
they  endeavor  to  carry  their  cause  through? 
(v.  5,  R.  v.;  compare  v.  23;  Ps.  22:12,  13, 
16.)  Do  men  often  try  to  carry  bad  causes 
through  by  urgency  and  clamor?  What 
was  the  next  step  Pilate  took?  What  was 
Pilate's  purpose  in  sending  Jesus  to  Herod? 
Did  he  make  any  other  attempts  to  get 
Jesus  off  his  hands?  (John  18:31,  39.) 
Did  he  succeed  in  getting  Jesus  off  his 
hands?  (John  19:6;  c.  23:16.)  Do  men 
nowadays  ever  try  to  get  Jesus  off  their 
hands  without  doing  anything  with  Him? 
Do  they  ever  succeed? 
2.  Jesus  before  Herod,  vv.  8-12. 
How  did  Herod  feel  when  he  saw  Jesus? 
Was  Herod's  gladness  that  of  true  dis- 
ciples when  they  see  their  Lord?  (Compare 
John  20:20.)  Why  was  Herod  glad?  Are 
there  any  today  whose  gladness  in  Jesus  is 
no  deeper  nor  more  earnest  than  that  of 
Herod?  What  had  been  Herod's  thought 
about  Jesus  when  he  first  heard  of  Him? 
(c.  9:7-9;  Mark  6:14.)  Had  this  first 
fright  of  Herod's  guilty  conscience  worn 
off?  What  did  Herod  do  when  Jesus  stood 
in  his  presence?  What  did  Jesus  answer 
him?  Why  did  not  Jesus  answer  him?  (Is. 
53:7;  Matt.  7:6.)  Has  Jesus  any  answer 
today  for  shallow,  fiippant  questioners? 
Has  He  for  earnest-minded  questioners? 
What  did  the  chief  priests  and  the  scribes 
do?  Did  their  bitter  hate  of  Christ  ever 
tire  or  rest  until  they  saw  Him  on  the 
cross?  Are  there  any  today  whose  hate  of 
Christ  never  tires? 

Who  were  there  that  might  have  come 
to  the  defense  of  Jesus?  Why  didn't  they? 
Which  today  are  most  zealous  and  untir- 
ing, the  enemies  or  friends  of  Jesus?     Did 


Herod  find  any  fault  in  Jesus  (v.  15)  ? 
What  then  should  he  have  done?  What 
did  he  do?  How  many  times  was  Jesus 
subjected  to  such  treatment?  (Compare 
22:64,  65;  Matt.  27:27-30.)  Of  what  is 
this  treatment  which  Jesus  received  at  so 
many  hands  a  revelation?  (Jer.  17:9;  Ro. 
8:7.)  Does  the  world's  hatred  of  God  and 
Jesus  usually  reveal  itself  today  in  direct 
attacks  upon  Jesus  or  by  attacks  upon  those 
who  are  dear  to  Him,  His  professed  dis- 
ciples? (Compare  Matt.  25:40,  45;  Acts 
9:4.)  Did  Jesus  care  because  of  these  in- 
sults? (Ps.  69:20.)  For  whom  did 
Jesus  suffer  these  indignities?      (Is.  53:5.) 

3.    Jesus  before  Pilate  again,  vv.  13-25. 

What  was  Pilate's  statement  regarding 
Jesus  when  Herod  returned  Him  to  him? 
What  did  he  propose  to  do  in  view  of  the 
established  fact  of  Jesus'  innocence?  Was 
it  a  very  rational  conclusion  to  arrive  at 
that  because  Jesus  was  innocent  "I  will 
therefore  chastise  Him"?  Why  did  he  not 
release  Him  without  even  chastising  Him? 
Did  he  gain  anything  by  this  attempt  at 
compromise?  Do  we  ever,  in  the  long  run, 
gain  anything  for  truth  and  right  by  offer- 
ing to  compromise  with  error  and  wrong? 
What  was  their  answer  to  this  proposition? 
What  choice  did  they  make?  (vv.  18,  19; 
compare  Acts  3:14.)  What  does  that  choice 
reveal  as  to  the  state  of  their  hearts?  Do 
men  today  ever  choose  a  murderer  instead 
of  Jesus?  (John  8:44.)  Was  Pilate  will- 
ing even  yet  to  deliver  Jesus  to  the  cross? 
Why  not?  (Matt.  27:19;  John  19:7,  8; 
Matt.  27:24.)  What  was  their  reply  to 
Pilate's  proposition  to  release  Jesus  (v. 
21)  ?  How  did  they  show  the  eagerness  of 
their  thirst  for  Jesus'  blood?  Who  was  it 
who  this  time  shouted  "Crucify  Him"? 
(Matt.  27:20-23.)  What  had  a  portion  of 
this  same  multitude  shouted  a  few  days  be- 
fore?    (Matt.  21:8,  9.) 


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311 


Is  popular  favor  and  enthusiasm  a  very 
good  thing  to  rely  upon  ?  What  very  perti- 
nent question  did  Pilate  put  to  them?  Had 
they  any  good  answer  to  make  to  that  ques- 
tion? What  did  they  answer?  Do  men 
nowadays  ever  try  to  cover  their  lack  of 
reasons  with  the  vociferousness  of  their 
shoutings  and  demands?  Why  did  they 
know  from  the  beginning  that  Pilate  would 
ultimately  give  in?  What  was  the  out- 
come of  it  all  (vv.  23,  24)  ?  Why  did 
Pilate  yield?  (John  19:12,  13,  16;  Mark 
15:15.)  Would  Pilate's  record  bear  close 
scrutiny  by  Caesar?  Had  his  past  offences 
anything  to  do  with  forcing  him  to  this 
present  appalling  sin?  Are  there  any  other 
instances  in  the  Bible  of  weak  men  who 
wished  to  do  right  but  committed  awful 
crimes  because  of  the  fear  of  man?  (Matt. 
14:8,  9;  Dan.  6:14-16;  Jer.  38:4,  5.)  In  a 
world  where  evil  influences  are  so  strong 
as  in  this,  what  will  a  weak  man  always 
end  by  being?  Did  Pilate  save  himself  by 
this  nefarious  concession  to  these  unprin- 
cipled men?  Can  politicians  or  we  our- 
selves ever  save  ourselves  by  concesssions 
to  iniquitous  demands  of  unprincipled  men? 
What  did  Pilate  finally  do  with  Jesus? 
What  was  the  great  personal  question  that 
had  been  before  Pilate  that  day?  (Matt. 
27:22.)  How  had  Pilate  decided  it?  What 
is  the  great  personal  question  that  is  be- 
fore each  of  us  today?  How  are  you  going 
to  decide  it? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jesus  Christ. 

(i)  His  treatment  at  the  hands  of  men: 
Bitterly  hated,  5,  10,  21,  23;  compare 
Jer.  17:9;  Ro.  8:7;  dragged  before 
Pilate  by  the  whole  assembly  of  the 
Jews,  I ;  falsely  accused,  2 ;  sent  to 
Herod   to    stand   another  bitter    trial 


though  found  innocent  at  the  first,  7, 
compare  4 ;  set  at  naught  and  mocked 
by  Herod  and  his  soldiers,  11;  His 
condemnation  clamorously  urged  by 
the  Jews,  5,  10;  His  crucifixion  de- 
manded with  shouts  and  cries,  21,  23, 
R.  V. ;  a  murderer  preferred  to  Him, 
18,  19;  dehvered  to  the  cruel  and 
murderous  will  of  His  enemies,  25. 

(2)  His  sinlessness : 

Pilate  found  no  fault  in  Him,  4,  14; 
Herod  found  no  fault  in  Him,  15 ; 
compare  Heb.  7:26;  i  Peter  1:19; 
2  :22. 

(3)  His  royalty: 

Asserted  His  kingship  in  the  most  sol- 
emn manner  at  the  most  critical  mo- 
ment, 3. 

(4)  His  silence: 

No  answer  for  the  shallow  Herod,  9. 
2.     The  Jezvish  rulers. 
Their   unanimity : 
"The    whole    company    rose    up    and 
brought  Him  before  Pilate,"  i. 
Their  unfairness : 

Indicted     Jesus     on     one     charge     but 
brought  an  entirely  different  one  be- 
fore Pilate,  2;  compare  Matt.  26:63- 
66. 
Their  insincerity: 

Brought  a  charge  of  insurrection 
against  Jesus  and  then  asked  the  re- 
lease of  one  who  was  already  con- 
victed of  that  very  crime,  2;  cf.  18, 
19. 
Their  falsehood : 

2;  compare  Luke  20:20-25. 
Their  perversion  of  the  truth : 

Put  the  truth  in  such  a  setting  that  it 
produced  a  false  impression,  2. 
Their  relentless  hate : 

5,    10,   21,   27,. 


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Their  unprincipled  methods : 

Sought  to  carry  a  bad  cause  by  urgency 
and  clamor,  5,  10,  18,  21,  R.  V.,  23. 
Could  tell  of  no  fault  in  Jesus  but 
shouted  the  louder  for  His  cruci- 
fixion, 22,  2},. 
Their  awful  choice : 

A  murderer  instead  of  the  Son  of  God. 
Their  appalling  sin : 

Urgently  and  repeatedly  demanded  the 
crucifixion  of  the  Son  of  God,  21,  2^. 
Their  temporary  victory: 

Their  voices  prevailed,  and  Jesus  was 
delivered  to  their  will,  21,  26. 
S.    Pilate. 

Recognized  the  innocence  of  Jesus,  4; 
testified  repeatedly  to  the  innocence 
of  Jesus,  4-15;  wished  to  release 
Jesus,    16,    20;    compare    Acts    3:13; 


delayed  to  do  what  he  knew  he  should, 
4-23 ;  tried  to  get  Jesus  ofif  his  hands, 
6,  7;  sought  to  compromise  with  the 
enemies  of  the  Lord,  16,  22;  finally 
yielded  to  the  iniquitous  demands  of 
Jesus'  enemies,  23 ;  gave  sentence 
that  it  should  be  as  they  required, 
24 ;  released  a  murderer  and  gave 
Jesus  up  to  their  will,  25 ;  he  began 
with  pitiable  weakness  and  ended 
with  damnable  wickedness. 
4.    Herod. 

Glad  to  see  Jesus,  8 ;  his  gladness  not 
that  of  profound  spiritual  apprecia- 
tion, but  of  shallow  curiosity,  8; 
questioned  Jesus  in  many  words,  9; 
but  could  get  no  answer  from  Jesus, 
9 ;  found  no  fault  in  Jesus ;  but  set 
at  naught  and  mocked  Him,  11. 


LESSON  131. 

Pilate's   Attempts   to    Release   Jesus.      John    19:1-16;    compare   Matthew 
27:25-30;    Mark   15:16-19. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I,    Behold  the  Man,  vv.   1-7. 

To  what  indignity  do  we  see  Jesus  sub- 
jected in  V.  I  of  the  lesson?  For  whom 
was  He  scourged?  (Is.  53:5.)  What  is 
the  result  of  His  stripes?  (i  Peter  2:24.) 
What  was  Pilate's  purpose  in  scourging 
Him  (vv.  2,  3)  ?  What  further  indignities 
were  heaped  upon  Jesus?  Why  did  the 
soldiers  do  these  things?  What  is  re- 
vealed in  all  this  treatment  of  Jesus?  Is 
it  true  that  "if  we  live  as  Christ  lived  all 
men  will  love  us"?  (John  15:18-20.)  How 
did  Jesus  receive  all  these  indignities?  (Is. 
53:7.)  Wliat  did  Pilate  next  do?  What 
was  Pilate's  testimony  regarding  Jesus? 
Did  he  give  this  testimony  more  than  once? 
(c.  18:38,  v.  6.)  Did  anyone  else  give  a 
similar    testimony?      (]\Iatt.    27:4,    19,    24, 


54;  Luke  23:41,  47;  2  Cor.  5:21;  Heb.  7: 
26;  I  Peter  1:19;  2:22;  i  John  3:5.) 
What  did  Pilate  say  as  Jesus  appeared?  Is 
that  a  good  thing  to  do?  Is  there  anything 
better  to  do?  (John  1:29.)  What  did 
they  behold  as  they  looked?  What  feel- 
ings did  Pilate  expect  the  sight  would 
awaken?  What  feelings  might  we  expect 
the  sight  would  awaken?  What  feelings 
did  the  sight  awaken?  What  is  here  re- 
vealed? What  feelings  does  the  sight  of 
Jesus,  bruised  and  torn,  with  mocking  robe 
and  crown  of  thorns,  awaken  in  your 
heart?  Are  there  any  who  are  moved 
to  anger  at  the  sight?  What  did  Pilate 
say  to  their  yell,  "Crucify  Him"?  Could 
they  crucify  Him?  Why  then  did  Pilate 
say  this?  Could  He  get  Jesus  off  His 
hands?     Can  we?     Was  there  much  logic 


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313 


in  Pilate's  "Take,  crucify  Him ;  .for  I  Hud 
no  fault  in  Him" ^  What  was  the  answer 
of  the  Jews  (v.  /)  ?  Had  they  such  law? 
(Lev.  24:16;  Deut.  18:20.)  Were  they 
right  in  saying  He  made  Himself  the  Son 
of  God?  In  what  case  then  would  they 
have  been  right  in  demanding  His  death  ? 

2.     Behold  your  King,  vv.  8-16. 

What  was  the  effect  of  <hat  statement 
upon  Pilate?  Was  he  afraid  already? 
What  made  him  afraid?  (Matt.  27:19.) 
What  did  he  do  (v.  9)  ?  Was  not  that  a 
proper  question?  Was  it  asked  seriously? 
Did  Jesus  answer  it?  Why  not?  Had 
Pilate  received  the  declarations  that  Jesus 
had  already  made  as  he  ought?  (18:37-39.) 
If  we  do  not  rightly  use  the  light  we  have, 
of  what  may  we  be  pretty  sure?  How  do 
we  know  that  Pilate  would  not  have  acted 
upon  the  truth  if  Jesus  had  told  him?  Did 
he  have  truth  enough  already  to  act  upon? 
Do  men  who  are  asking  for  more  light 
usually  have  enough  to  act  upon  already? 
Was  it  more  light  he  needed?  What  was 
Jesus  doing  in  all  this  strange  silence? 
(Matt.  27:12-14;  Mark  15:3-5.  "Silent 
communion  with  God,  silent  submission  to 
His  murderers^  in  silent  pity  for  us,  in 
silent  contemplation  of  the  joy  that  was  set 
before  Him.")  What  was  the  effect  upon 
Pilate  of  Jesus'  silence?  What  does  that 
show  as  to  the  depth  of  his  awe  and  earn- 
estness in  his  question?  What  was  Jesus' 
answer  (v.  11)?  From  whom  had  Pilate 
received  his  power?  (Ro.  13:1;  Acts  2: 
23;  Dan.  5:21.)  Has  any  one  power  for 
good  or  evil  except  from  above?  Is  there 
any  comfort  in  that  thought?  Where  does 
our  responsibility  come  in?  What  does 
Jesus  further  add?  How  had  he  the 
"greater  sin"  ?  Did  these  words  of  Jesus 
rebuking  Pilate's  arrogance  and  reminding 


him  of  his  dependence  go  as  deep  as  an 
answer  to  his  question  would  have  gone? 
How  does  this  come  out  in  the  text?  Had 
Pilate  sought  to  release  Him  up  to  this 
point?  How  was  Pilate  kept  back  from 
this  good  design?  Would  the  reigning 
emperor  have  been  likely  to  listen  to  a 
charge  like  that?  Ought  that  fact  to  have 
influenced   Pilate?      (Acts  4:19.) 

Was  Pilate  very  different  from  many 
men  today  in  the  way  he  acted  ?  Give 
some  illustrations  of  men  acting  on  similar 
principle  today?  What  was  it  proved 
Pilate's  ruin?  (Prov.  29:25.)  What  did 
Pilate  do  (vv.  13,  14)  ?  What  day  was 
it?  What  hour?  What  did  he  say?  What 
was  the  purpose  of  these  words?  Was 
there  more  in  these  words  than  Pilate 
realized?  What  can  we  say  as  we  set 
Jesus  before  men?  Would  it  have  been 
well  for  them  if  they  had  beheld  their 
King  in  Him?  What  would  they  have 
escaped?  Will  one  today  who  beholds  His 
King  in  Jesus  escape  as  much  as  the  Jews 
would  if  they  had  beheld  their  King  in 
Him?  What  was  their  answer?  What 
does  the  world  say  today  when  Jesus  is 
held  up  before  it  and  it  is  said,  "Behold 
your  King"?  What  was  Pilate's  last  at- 
tempt to  bring  them  to  a  better  mind? 
\\'hat  was  their  answer?  What  were  they 
renouncing?  What  goaded  them  on  to  this 
frightful  renunciation?  What  kind  of  a 
King  was  the  Cccsar  then  reigning?  If 
one  will  not  have  Christ  as  King  to  what 
sort  of  a  master  must  he  bow?  What  did 
Pilate  finally  do?  What  made  it  sure  from 
the  beginning  that  this  would  be  the  issue? 
When  we  have  on  the  one  side  determined 
champions  of  wrong  and  on  the  other  side, 
weak,  vacillating,  compromising  champions 
of  right,  what  will  the  issue  be?  How 
does  compromise  always  end? 


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CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus. 

(i)     What  He  was: 
Divine,  7;  human,   1-16;  sinless,  4,  6. 

(2)  What  He  suffered  : 

Bitter  hatred,  i,  2,  3,  6;  scourging,  i; 
mockery,  2,  3 ;  a  crown  of  thorns,  2; 
smiting,  3;  the  hearing  of  clamorous 
cries  for  His  crucifixon,  6,  15;  con- 
demnation as  a  blasphemer,  7;  cruci- 
fixion, 16. 

(3)  What  He  received: 
Testimony  to  His  guiltlessness,  4,  6. 

(4)  What   He  did: 

Kept  silent  under  all  the  indignities 
heaped  upon  Him,  1-16;  kept  silent 
before  the  inquiry  for  further  light 
by  the  one  who  was  not  acting  up  to 
the  light  he  had,  9;  rebuked  Pilate's 
arrogant  assumption  of  power  inde- 
pendent of  God,  11;  taught  Pilate 
his  utter  impotence  and  dependence 
upon  God,  II. 
^.     Pilate. 

Yielded  temporarily  to  the  wicked  de- 
mands of  the  Jews,  i ;  reported  temp- 
orarily and  attempted  again  the  re- 
lease of  Jesus,  4,  5 ;  testified  to  Jesus 
Christ's  immanence,  4.  6;  made  many 
vacillating  attempts  to  dissuade  the 
Jews  from  their  hellish  purposes,  4, 
12,  14,  IS;  lacked  the  courage  to  do 
right  at  any  cost,  6,  12,  13,  16;  tried 
to  get  Jesus  off  his  hands,  6;  was 
moved  to  fear  at  Jesus'  claim  to  be 
the  Son  of  God,  8;  sought  to  learn 
the  truth  of  this   claim,  9 ;   received 


no  answer  to  his  inquiries — the  fail- 
ure to  act  upon  the  light  he  had  de- 
barred him  from  receiving  more 
light,  9;  was  piqued  in  his  pride  at 
Jesus'  refusal  to  answer  his  question, 
10;  imagined  he  had  some  power 
independent  of  God,  10;  possessed  no 
power  but  what  God  allowed  him, 
II;  received  a  crushing  rebuke  to 
this  baseless  profession  of  power, 
11;  moved  by  Jesus'  words,  he 
sought  the  more  to  release  Jesus,  12; 
was  desirous  of  doing  right  by  Jesus 
but  not  willing  to  risk  his  own  posi- 
tion or  head  to  do  it,  12-16;  ruined 
by  the  fear  of  man,  12-16;  his  weak, 
vacillating,  compromising  desire  to 
do  right  finally  and  utterly  overcome 
by  the  determined,  unyielding  pur- 
pose of  the  Jews  to  make  him  do 
wrong,  16. 
3.     The  Jnvs. 

Hated  Jesus,  6,  15;  cried  for  His 
blood,  6,  15 ;  could  not  be  turned 
from  their  hellish  purpose  either  by 
the  sight  of  His  suffering  or  the 
declaration  of  His  majesty,  5,  6,  14, 
IS;  moved  only  to  fury  by  the  sight 
of  the  suffering  Saviour,  s.  6;  de- 
manded the  crucifixion  of  Jesus  when 
presented  to  them  as  the  suffering 
one,  5,  6;  cried  "Away  with  Him" 
when  presented  as  their  King,  14, 
IS ;  defended  their  murderous  hate 
by  an  appeal  to  Scripture,  7 ;  greater 
guilt  than  Pilate's,  11;  ren'ounced 
Christ  as  King  and  chose  a  monster 
of  tyranny,  IS- 


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315 


LESSON    132. 

The  Crucifixion.     Luke  23:26-38;    compare  Matthew  27:32-44;    Mark   15: 
21-32;    John   19:16-23. 


DISCOVERY    OF    THE    FACTS. 

I.     On  the  zvay  to  the  cross,  vv.  26-32. 

What  was  done  with  the  cross  of  Jesus? 
Did  Simon  bear  it  all  the  way?  (John  19: 
16,  17.)  Why  did  they  afterward  lay  it 
upon  Simon?  Was  it  a  dishonor  or  an 
honor  to  bear  the  cross  of  Jesus?  To 
whom  is  that  honor  open  today?  (c.  9: 
23.)  Who  must  bear  the  cross  after 
Christ?  (c.  14:27.)  Does  any  blessing 
seem  to  have  come  to  Simon  or  his  family 
through  his  having  borne  the  cross  of 
Jesus  after  Him?  (Mark  15:21.)  Who 
else  besides  Simon  of  Cyrene  fallowed 
Jesus  to  the  cross?  What  did  the  women 
do  who  followed  Him?  Were  these  the 
women  who  had  "followed  Jesus  from 
Galilee"?  (Matt.  27:55.)  (See  v.  28.) 
Did  Jesus  desire  their  pity?  (v.  28;  Heb. 
12:2.)  Does  He  desire  our  pity?  What 
does  He  desire  in  view  of  His  crucifixion 
for  us?  With  whose  sorrows  was  Jesus 
occupied  more  than  His  own  (v.  28)  ?  Are 
there  any  other  instances  recorded  when 
Jesus,  though  in  great  physical  anguish, 
was  more  occupied  with  the  sorrows  and 
miseries  of  others  than  with  His  own?  (v. 
34;  John  19:  26,  27.)  For  whom  did  Jesus 
bid  them  weep?  Why  did  they  need  to 
weep  for  themselves?  To  what  coming 
day  did  Jesus  refer?  (Luke  21:20-24.) 
Was  this  prophecy  of  Jesus  fulfilled?  How 
long  before  had  this  awful  desolation  of 
Israel  been  predicted?  (Deut.  28:49-58.) 
Why  did  God  visit  the  nation  with  such  an 
awful  overthrow?  (Matt.  21 :37-4i.)  Will 
the  rejection  of  Jesus  as  our  Christ  be 
visited  with  equally  fearful  consequences? 
(2    Thess.    1 :7-9.)      Will    men    ever    again 


cry  to  the  mountains,  "Fall  on  us,"  and  to 
the  hills,  "Cover  us"?      (Rev.   6:16.) 

2.     On  the  cross,  vv.  33-38. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  the  second  division 
of  the  lesson  laid?  Why  was  the  place 
called  Calvary?  (R.  V.  and  R.  V.  margin.) 
What  do  we  know  about  the  location  of 
Calvary?  (Heb.  13:12;  Matt.  28:11;  John 
19:20,  41 ;  Matt.  27:32.)  What  did  they  do 
with  Jesus  at  Calvary?  What  prophecy 
was  thereby  fulfilled?  (Ps.  22:16.)  Why 
was  it  necessary  that  Jesus  be  put  to  death 
by  crucifixion?  (Gal.  3:13;  John  3:14.) 
A  part  of  whose  plans  was  the  crucifixion 
of  Christ?  (Acts  2:23.)  Does  the  fact 
that  the  crucifixion  of  Christ  was  a  fulfil- 
ment of  prophecy  and  a  part  of  God's  plan 
of  redemption  in  any  wise  lessen  the  guilt 
of  those  who  crucified  Him?  (Acts  2:23.) 
Was  this  a  painful  mode  of  death?  Was 
the  physical  agony  the  severest  suffering 
that  Jesus  endured?  (Matt.  27:46.)  Why 
did  they  crucify  Christ?  (John  7:7;  Matt. 
21  :38.)  If  Jesus  were  to  appear  on  earth 
today  and  live  as  He  lived  before  and 
teach  as  He  taught  before  and  make  the 
same  demands  upon  men  and  upbraid  the 
greed  and  oppression  and  hypocrisy  of  civil 
and  ecclesiastical  powers,  what  would  the 
world  do  with  Him?  What  companions 
had  Jesus  in  His  humiliations?  What  pro- 
phecy was  fulfilled?  (Is.  53:9,  12.)  What 
was  the  purpose  of  nailing  up  these  male- 
factors on  His  right  hand  and  left?  Did 
their  presence  add  anything  to  the  sorrow 
of  the  closing  moments  of  the  Saviour's 
earthly  life?  Was  it  a  good  thing  for 
either  of  these  malefactors  to  be  "crucified 
with  Christ"?  Is  it  a  good  thing  for  us  to 
be  crucified  with  Him? 


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How  did  Jesus  feel  toward  those  who 
crucified  Him?  What  teaching  of  His  own 
was  He  exempUfying?  (Matt.  5:44-) 
Who  imitated  His  Master  in  this?  (Acts 
7:60.)  Who  else  ought  to?  (i  Peter  2  :2i.) 
For  whom  was  it  Christ  prayed?  Were 
they  actually  forgiven  ?  What  plea  did  Jesus 
make  why  they  should  be  forgiven?  If 
they  had  known  what  they  did  could  they 
have  been  forgiven?  (i  Tim.  i  :i3-)  H 
they  did  not  know  what  they  did  why  did 
they  need  forgiveness?  (Luke  12:47,  48.) 
As  soon  as  the  soldiers  had  nailed  Jesus  to 
the  cross  what  did  they  do?  What  state 
of  feeling  did  that  reveal?  What  prophecy 
was  fulfilled?  (Ps.  22:18.)  Do  we  ever 
today  see  even  the  professed  followers  of 
Jesus  seeking  their  own  petty  interests  at 
the  very  foot  of  the  cross?  Of  the  three 
who  hung  upon  the  crosses  who  alone  was 
the  butt  of  cruel  jokes  and  ridicule?  Which 
does  the  world  hate  most  bitterly,  a  bad 
man  or  a  holy  one?  Who  engaged  in  ridi- 
culing the  Son  of  God?  (Matt.  27:39;  vv. 
35,  36;  Matt.  27:44.)  Did  this  ridicule 
cause  the  Saviour  any  grief?  (Ps.  69:20.) 
What  prophecies  were  fulfilled  in  all  this? 
(Ps.  22:6,  7,  8;  compare  Matt.  27:43;  Ps. 
69:20.)  Did  Jesus  make  any  reply  to  their 
scoffs?  (i  Peter  2:23.)  Are  we  to  imitate 
Jesus  in  this?  (i  Peter  2:21.)  What  was 
their  taunt?  How  much  of  it  was  true? 
Why  did  He  not  save  Himself?  (John  10: 
II,  17,  .18;  Matt.  20:28.)  If  He  had  ac- 
cepted their  challenge  and  saved  Himself, 
would.  He  thereby  have  proved  that  He  was 
"the  Christ  of  God,  His  chosen"?  (i 
John  4:9;  3:16.)  From  whom  had  a  simi- 
lar challenge  come  earlier  in  His  life? 
(Matt.  4:3,  6;  16:22,  2^.)  Who  were  most 
prominent  in  this  reviling  of  Christ  upon 
the  cross?  Have  religious  leaders  since 
that  day  ever  engaged  in  the  ridicule  of 
the    truth   and   its    representatives?      What 


man's  leadership  is  it  safe  to  implicitly 
follow?  (Matt.  23:8,  10.)  What  induced 
the  leaders  to  give  such  venomous  expres- 
sion to  their  hatred  of  Jesus?  In  what 
other  way  than  by  wore  ivas  Jesus  ex- 
posed to  ridicule?  Was  there  anything 
more  than  ridicule  in  that  superscription? 
By  what  term  shall  we  characterize  man's 
treatment  of  Jesus?  By  what  term  shall 
we  characterize  your  treatment  of  Jesus  ? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 
/.      JCSHS. 

(i)     What  Jesus  was: 
A  man,  34;  king  of  the  Jews,  38;   an 
atoning    sacrifice,    3;^ ;    compare    Gal. 
3:13- 

(2)  Character: 

Infinite  patience,  33-38;  self-forgetting 
consideration  of  others;  v'on  the  way 
to  the  cross  He  was  more  burdened 
with  the  woe  that  was  coming  upon 
others  than  with  the  woe  that  had 
already  come  upon  Himself,  28) 
wondrous  pardoning  love,  34;  bound- 
less self  sacrifice,  35. 

(3)  What  He  suffered : 

Hated  by  man,  33,  35,  36,  37;  reckoned 
with  vilest  criminals,  33 ;  scoffed  at 
by  the  rulers,  35 ;  mocked  at  by  the 
soldiers,  36;  held  up  to  ridicule  by 
Romans,  38;  crushed  and  fainting 
beneath  the  cross  He  bore,  26;  com- 
pare John  19:16,  17;  crucified,  33; 
He  bore  all  this  for  me.  Is.  53:4,  5, 
6. 
(3)  What  He  did: 
Fulfilled  prophecy,  33;  compare  Ps.  22: 
16;  Is.  53:9,  12;  34;  compare  Ps.  22: 
18;  35;  compare  Ps.  22:6,  7,  8;  69: 
20;  sacrificed  Himself  to  save  others, 
35 ;  interceded  for  His  murderers, 
34;  bore  the  curse  of  the  law,  33; 
compare  Gal.  3  :I3. 


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317 


(4)     The  result  of  rejecting  Him: 
Incalculable    anguish,   29,   30;    compare 
Matt.  21 :39-4i. 

Man. 

Heartless  selfishness,  34;  incredible  in- 
difference to  Christ's  agony  and 
shame,  34;  hatred  to  God,  33,  35,  36, 
39;  mocked  at  the  Son  of  God.  36; 
scoffed  at  the  Son  of  God,  35 ;  railed 


on  the  Son  of  God,  39 ;  crucified  the 

Son  of  God,  33. 
The  Word. 
Its   certainty,   33;    compare   Ps.    22:16; 

Is.  53:9,  12;  34;  compare   Ps.  22:18; 

35  ;    compare    Ps.   22  :6,    7,   8 ;    69  :20 ; 

its  minute  accuracy,  33 ;  compare  Ps. 

22:16;  Is.  53:9,  12;  34;  compare  Ps. 

22:18;    its    divine   origin    (see   refer- 
ence above). 


LESSON  133. 

The  Death  of  Jesus.     Luke  23 :39-45 ;    Matthew  27  :45-56 ;    compare  Mark 

15:33-41;    Luke  23:47-49;    John  19:25-30. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.     The  dying  robber  won,  Luke  23:39-43. 

Who  is  finally  recorded  as  railing  at 
Jesus?  Did  both  of  the  malefactors  rail 
at  Jesus?  (Matt.  27:44.)  What  induced 
them  in  such  an  hour  to  join  in  the  gen- 
eral raillery  at  the  Son  of  God?  As  the 
da\^  wore  along  what  change  came  over 
one  of  these  men?  What  wrought  this 
change?  What  was  the  first  evidence  he 
gave  of  repentance?  (v.  41;  compare  Luke 
15:18,  19;  Lev.  26:40,  41.)  What  led  him 
to  see  his  own  sinfulness?  What  was  the 
second  step  he  took  (v.  41)?  Who  else 
gave  the  same  testimony  concerning  Jesus? 
(Matt.  27:4,  19,  24,  54.)  Did  the  dying 
robber  believe  on  Jesus  (v.  42)  ?  How  did 
he  show  his  faith?  What  was  his  faith 
about  Jesus?  Did  Jesus  look  much  like  a 
king  just  then?  Of  all  the  persons  at  the 
cross  who  had  the  most  triumphant  faith? 
What  prepared  the  way  for  this  faith  (v. 
41)?  What  encouraged  him  to  think  that 
Jesus  might  have  mercy  even  on  him  (v. 
34)?  How  did  he  address  Jesus?  (v.  42, 
R.  V.)  What  were  the  characteristics  of 
his  prayer?  Did  he  get  as  much  as  he 
asked  (v.  43)  ?  Was  the  best  part  of 
Jesus'  promise  that  he  should  be  in  Para- 


dise f  When  should  he  be  with  Jesus  in 
Paradise?  Is  the  immediate  departure  to 
be  with  Jesus  of  those  who  fall  asleep  in 
Him  taught  anywhere  else  in  the  New 
Testament?  (Phil.  1:23;  2  Cor.  5:4,  6,  8.) 
Who  went  side  by  side  with  the  Son  of 
God  into  Paradise?  Did  this  robber  work 
for  salvation?  Was  he  baptized?  Did  he 
ever  partake  of  the  Lord's  supper?  Was 
he  saved? 

2.  Satan  brought  to  nought,  Luke  23:44- 
45;  Matt.  27:45-54;  {compare  Heb.  2:14, 
R.  V.) 

What  strange  phenomenon  now  appeared 
over  the  whole  land  (v.  44)  ?  Was  this  an 
eclipse?  At  what  quarter  of  the  moon  do 
eclipses  occuj;?  At  what  quarter  of  the 
moon  did  the  Passover  always  occur? 
What  was  it  if  it  was  not  an  eclipse? 
What  was  its  meaning?  What  was  the 
effect  of  this  and  the  accompanying  phe- 
nomena upon  the  beholders?  (v.  47;  Matt. 
27:54.)  How  did  the  scribes  and  priests 
feel  when  they  saw  these  things?  Will 
phenomena  and  events  ever  occur  again 
that  will  strike  terror  to  the  hearts  of 
Christ's  enemies?  Did  the  priests  and 
scribes  repent?  Why  not?  What  time  of 
day  was  it  when  all  this  occurred?     What 


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STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


occurred  at  three  o'clock?  (Matt.  27:46.) 
From  whence  is  this  cry  taken?  (Ps.  22: 
I.)     What  did  it  mean? 

Why  did  it  seem  to  Jesus  that  He  was 
forsaken  even  by  the  Father  Himself?  (2 
Cor.  5:21;  Is.  53:6,  10;  I  Peter  2:24;  Gal. 
3:13;  Deut.  32:20;  Micah  3:4;  Is.  59:2.) 
Why  did  Jesus  say,  "Why  hast  thou  for- 
saken Me"?  Did  He  not  understand  it? 
What  in  the  cry  showed  that  Jesus  had  not 
altogether  lost  His  hold  upon  God?  How 
was  this  cry  understood  by  some?  (Matt. 
27:47.)  Was  this  said  in  jest  or  earnest? 
What  led  to  this  misunderstanding?  (Mai. 
4:5  Matt.  17:10.)  How  did  one  of  the 
soldiers  show  his  sympathy?  (Matt.  27: 
48.)  What  suggested  this  act?  (John  19: 
28.)  What  indication  have  we  here  as  to 
the  height  of  the  cross?  Did  all  the  sol- 
diers have  the  same  compassion  as  this 
one?  What  did  Jesus  do  after  He  had  re- 
ceived the  drink?  What  would  this  "loud" 
cry  indicate  as  to  His  physical  condition? 
What  did  He  say  after  that  cry?  (John 
19:30;  Luke  23:46.)  Then  what  did  He 
do?  Did  anyone  take  His  life  from  Him? 
(John  10:17,  18.)  What  prophecies  were 
fulfilled  when  He  gave  up  the  spirit? 
(Dan.  9:26;  Is.  53:12.)  What  wonderful 
things  happened  as  Jesus  died?  (Matt.  27: 
50,  51;  Luke  23:45.)  How  much  of  the 
veil  of  the  temple  was  rent?  (Matt.  27: 
51.)  What  was  the  significance  of  the  veil 
being  rent  at  Jesus'  death?  (Heb.  10:19, 
20.)  Why  was  it  rent  from  "the  top  to 
the  bottom"  and  not  from  the  bottom  to 
the  top?  What  happened  at  the  opened 
graves?  (Matt.  27:52,  53.)  Did  these 
dead  come  out  of  their  graves  that  same 
day?  What  became  of  them  after  they 
went  into  the  holy  city  and  appeared  unto 
many? 

As  God  has  not  seen  fit  to  tell  us,  is  it 
wise  for  ns  to  speculate  about  it?     Which 


is  wiser,  to  reflect  and  act  upon  the  things 
God  has  been  pleased  to  tell  us,  or  to  specu- 
late about  the  things  God  has  not  been 
pleased  to  tell  us?  (Deut.  29:29.)  Has 
much  of  the  theological  controversy  been 
about  things  that  God  has  not  been  pleased 
to  reveal?  Is  there  enough  that  is  clearly 
revealed  for  purposes  of  salvation  and 
Christian  growth?  What  was  the  effect 
of  the  things  that  occurred  upon  the  cen- 
turion and  those  with  him?  (Matt.  27:54; 
Luke  23:47.)  What  convinced  the  centur- 
ion? '  (Compare  Mark  15:39.)  What 
nailed  Christ  to  that  cross?  (i  Cor.  15:3; 
2  Cor.  5:21;  I  Peter  2:24;  Gal.  3:13.) 
What  are  the  results  of  His  crucifixion? 
(John  12:32,  2>3\  I  John  2:2;  Is.  53:10; 
John  12:24;  Heb.  9:26;  Gal.  3:13;  Eph.  2: 
14-16;  Gal.  4:3-5;  Eph.  2:11-13;  Ro.  5:9, 
10;  Eph.  1:7;  Ro.  8:34;  2  Cor.  5:21;  i 
John  1:7;  Acts  20:28;  Heb.  10:10,  14,  18- 
20;  9:15;  Rev.  22:14,  R.  V. ;  I  Thess.  5: 
10;  Rev.  7:14,  15;  John  12:31;  Heb.  2:14, 
R.  v.;  Col.  2:14,  15;  Col.  1:19,  20.)  What 
two  things  have  their  fullest  exhibition  in 
the  cross  of  Christ?  (i  John  3:6;  Acts 
2:22,  23.)  Of  what  is  the  death  of  Christ 
a  guarantee?  (Ro.  8:32.)  What  example 
does  Christ's  choice  of  death  afford  us? 
(Phil.  2:5-8.) 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

/.    Jcsns. 

(i)     What  He  is: 
A  man,  Matt.  27:46;  the  Son  of  God, 
Matt.   27:54;   the   Saviour,   Luke  23: 
42,  R.  V. ;  a  King,  Luke  23  -.42,  R.  V. ; 
an  atoning  sacrifice.  Matt.  2"]  :46 ;  the 
light  of  the  world,  Matt.  27 :45 ;  Luke 
23:44;  the  Lord  of  nature,  Matt.  2^x 
44.  SI,  52. 
(2)     His  character: 
Wondrous     love,     pardoned     the     vile 
criminal  who  had  railed  upon  Him, 
Luke    23:39;    compare    IMatt.    27:44; 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


319 


bore  the  sins  of  men  in  their  stead, 
Matt.  27:46;  compare  Gal.  3:13; 
perfect  sinlessness,  Luke  23 :4i ; 
triumphant  faith,  Luke  2^  146. 

(3)  What  He  suffered  : 

Hatred  from  man,  Luke  23 139 ;  railed 
at  by  a  vile  criminal,  Luke  23 139 ; 
great  spiritual  amazement  and  be- 
wilderment, Matt.  27:46;  forsaken 
of  God,  Matt.  27:46;  He  bore  all 
this  for  me,  Is.  53:4-6;  2  Cor.  5:21. 

(4)  What  He  enjoyed: 

Testimony  from  the  centurion.  Matt. 
27:54;  testimony  from  the  robber, 
Luke  23 :4i ;  recognition  as  King, 
Luke  23 :42 ;  recognition  as  the  Son 
of  God,  Matt.  27:54;  faith  of  the 
dying  robber,  Luke  23 142. 

(5)  What  He  did: 

Fulfilled  prophecy.  Matt.  27:46,  50; 
compare  Is.  53:10;  Ps.  22:1;  Dan. 
9:26;  held  fast  to  God  in  the  hour 
of  sore  bewilderment.  Matt.  27:46; 
laid  down  His  life  voluntarily.  Matt. 
27:50;  pardoned  and  saved  a  vile  but 
repentant  sinner  at  the  last  hour, 
Luke  2^  :43 ;  rewarded  faith,  Luke 
2^  -.4.2,  43 ;  entered  Paradise,  Luke 
23 :43 ;  took  the  penitent  robber  into 
Paradise  with  Him,  Luke  23 :43 ; 
opened  the  way  into  the  holiest  of 
all,  Luke  23  :45 ;  Matt.  27 :5i ;  com- 
pare Heb.  10:19,  20. 


(6)     What  He  will  do: 

Come   again,    Luke    23:42,   R.   V.;    re- 
ceive   us    unto    Himself    to    be   with 
Him,  Luke  22,  :43. 
.    Man. 
(i)     His  natural  condition: 
Heartless  cruelty.  Matt.  27:49;  desper- 
ate   wickedness,    Luke    23:39;    com- 
pare Jer.  17:9;  hatred  of  God's  Son, 
Luke    23:39;    Matt.    27:50;    compare 
Ro.  8:7. 

(2)  The  way  in  which  his  salvation  has 
been  purchased : 

By  a  substitute.  Matt.  27 :46 ;  compare 
I  John  2  :2. 

(3)  The  way  in  which  he  must  appro- 
priate salvation : 

Confession,    Luke    22,  :4i ;    faith,    Luke 
23  :4i,  42. 
.     The  penitent  robber. 

A  desperate  sinner,  Luke  23  :S3,  41 ; 
eternal  doom  nearly  sealed,  Luke  23 : 
33 ;  he  heard  the  Word,  Luke  23 : 
34,  42;  saw  and  heard  Jesus,  Luke 
23 '-33,  34,  43;  recognized  his  own 
sinfulness,  Luke  23 :4]; ;  confessed 
his  own  sinfulness,  Luke  23 :4i ;  be- 
lieved in  Jesus  as  Saviour  and  King, 
Luke  23:42,  R.  v.,  43;  called  upon 
Jesus,  Luke  23:42;  confessed  Christ 
openly  before  His  enemies,  Luke  23 : 
41 ;  was  heard  by  Christ,  Luke  23 : 
43 ;  was  saved  by  Christ,  Luke  23 : 
43 ;  preached  Christ,  Luke  23 :4i ; 
entered  Paradise  side  by  side  with 
the  Son  of  God,  Luke  23  :43. 


The  Burial  of  Jesus. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.     The   death   of  Jesus   made  sure,  vv. 
21-37- 

What  final  request  did  the  Jews  make  of 


LESSON  134. 
John  19:31-42;    Matthew  27:61-66;    compare  Mark 
15:42-47;    Luke  23:50-56. 

Pilate?  What  was  the  purpose  of  this  re- 
quest? Why  were  the  Jews  unwilling  that 
the  bodies  should  remain  on  the  crosses 
over    that    Sabbath?      (Deut.    21:22,    23.) 


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Was  there  any  especial  reason  why  they 
were  more  unwilling  that  that  Sabbath 
should  be  defiled  than  any  other?  Had 
they  themselves  done  anything  that  would 
defile  their  land  more  than  the  mere  leav- 
ing of  the  crucified  bodies  on  the  cross 
possibly  could?  Are  men  today  ever  scrup- 
ulous about  ceremonial  defilement  who  are 
quite  blind  to  moral  defilement?  Was  "the 
Sabbath  Day"  which  was  to  follow  "the 
preparation,"  the  weekly  Sabbath  day  or 
"the  first  day"  of  "the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread"?  (Lev.  23:6,  7;  John  19:14,  42; 
18:28;  Matt.  27:62;  Mark  15:42;  Matt.  17: 
21,  23;  20:19;  Mark  8:31;  Luke  9:22.)  In 
case  it  was  the  latter  what  occurred  at  the 
temple  at  the  very  moment  Jesus  died  with- 
out the  camp?  (Ex.  12:6;  Lev.  23:5;  com- 
pare I  Cor.  5:7.)  What  precaution  was 
taken  to  make  sure  of  the  death  of  the  two 
robbers?  Why  did  they  not  break  the 
legs  of  Jesus  also?  Why  did  Jesus  die  so 
much  sooner  than  the  others?  (2  Cor.  5: 
21;  Matt.  26:46;  Ps.  69:20;  compare  John 
19:34.)  May  it  not  have  been  that  Jesus 
was  not  really  dead  but  only  in  a  swoon, 
and  that  the  supposed  resurrection  was 
only  a  case  of  temporarily  suspended,  and 
afterwards  restored,  animation? 

What  precaution  did  one  of  the  soldiers 
take  to  make  sure  that  He  was  really  dead? 
What  was  the  result  of  that  spear  thrust? 
What  was  the  physiological  significance  of 
the  coming  forth  of  "blood  and  water"? 
Who  bears  witness  to  this  fact?  Did  he 
know  the  physiological  significance  of  it? 
Is  there  in  this  little  detail,  the  full  mean- 
ing of  which  the  narrator  himself  could 
not  have  known,  any  proof  of  the  genuine- 
ness of  the  story?  Had  the  coming  forth 
of  the  "blood  and  water"  any  moral  or 
spiritual  significance?  (Zech.  13:1;  Titus 
2:14.)     For  what  purpose  did  John  record 


this  seemingly  insignificant  little  detail  (v. 
35)?  Did  John  have  this  purpose  in  view 
in  much  that  he  wrote?  (John  20:31;  11: 
IS,  42;  14:29;  compare  i  John  5:13-)  In 
the  testimony  that  we  give  to  the  world 
concerning  Jesus  what  should  be  our  pur- 
pose? Have  we  any  occasion  to  be  grate- 
ful that  the  Roman  soldier  thrust  his  spear 
into  the  Saviour's  side?  Of  what  truth  is 
this  an  illustration?  (Ps.  76:10.)  What 
tv;o  prophecies  were  fulfilled  in  the  treat- 
ment of  Jesus  after  death  (vv.  36,  37)  "^ 
Where  is  the  scripture  "A  bone  of  Him 
shall  not  be  broken"  found?  (Ex.  12:46; 
Num.  9:12;  Ps.  34:20.)  Where  is  the 
other  scripture  quoted  in  v.  2>7  found? 
(Zech.  12:10.)  Were  these  men  conscious 
that  they  were  fulfilling  Scriptures?  Did 
the  fact  that  these  things  had  been  prophe- 
sied in  any  wise  interfere  with  the  freedom 
of  their  action?  Through  what  sort  of  ac- 
tion then  does  God  carry  out  His  eternal 
purposes  and  fulfill  His  "sure  word  of 
prophecy"? 

2.  The  burial  of  Jesus,  vv.  38-42;  Matt. 
27:61. 

Who  buried  Jesus?  What  do  we  know 
about  this  man?  (Matt.  27:57-60;  Mark 
15:42-46;  Luke  23:50-53.)  What  sort  of  a 
disciple  had  Joseph  been  up  to  this  time? 
Were  there  many  secret  disciples?  (John 
12:42.)  What  lies  at  the  bottom  of  secret 
discipleship?  (John  12:43.)  Is  it  accept- 
able to  Christ?  (Matt.  10:32,  33;  Mark 
8:38.)  Are  secret  disciples  saved?  (Ro. 
10:9,  10.)  Of  what  proverb  of  Solomon 
was  the  secret  discipleship  of  Joseph  of 
Arimathea  an  illustration?  (Prov.  29;  25.) 
What  brought  Joseph  out  as  an  open  dis- 
ciple and  delivered  him  from  the  snare  into 
which  the  fear  of  man  had  brought  him? 
Did  Joseph  display  any  courage  at  the  end? 
Is    one   who   holds   back   for   fear    of    man 


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321 


likely,  when  he  does  come  out,  to  display  as 
much  courage  and  devotion  in  the  service 
of  his  crucified  Lord  as  those  who  come 
out  more  promptly?  What  did  Pilate  do 
before  delivering  the  body  to  Joseph? 
(]\Iark    15:44,  45- ) 

At  every  step  in  the  execution  of  Jesus, 
what  was  care  taken  to  see  to?  Is  any 
room  left  to  doubt  the  reality  and  certainty 
of  His  death?  Is  it  in  any  way  a  good 
thing  for  us  that  such  care  was  taken? 
Who  came  with  Joseph?  How  had  he 
come  first  to  Jesus?  Had  he  ever  up  to 
this  time  lifted  his  voice  openly  for  Jesus? 
(John  7*50,  51.)  Had  he  ever  come  out 
so  openly  for  Jesus  as  at  this  time?  What 
brought  him  out?  Had  Joseph's  new  de- 
cision any  influence  over  him?  Had  Jesus 
repulsed  the  first  timid  manifestations  of 
the  faith  of  Nicodemus?  (See  John  3:1- 
14;  compare  Matt.  12:20.)  Is  there  any 
suggestion  in  this  as  to  how  to  deal  with 
timid,  hesitating  souls?  Was  the  patience 
and  tenderness  of  Jesus  in  dealing  with 
Nicodemus  rewarded  at  the  end?  How  did 
Nicodemus  show  his  love  to  the  crucified 
One?  Where  did  they  lay  the  body  of 
Jesus?  Why  did  they  lay  it  there  (v.  42)  ? 
What  prophecy  was  fulfilled  in  this?  (Is. 
53:9.) 

J.  Precautions  against  a  fraudulent 
claim  that  Jesus  had  risen.    Matt.  27:62-66. 

Of  what  were  the  enemies  of  Jesus 
afraid?  Why  were  they  afraid  of  this  (v. 
63)  ?  What  evidence  have  we  that  some 
of  the  words  of  Jesus  had  made  a  deeper 
impression  upon  the  minds  of  the  enemies 
of  Jesus  than  upon  the  minds  of  His  di- 
sciples? Why  was  this?  What  did  the  en- 
emies of  Jesus  call  Him?  If  Jesus  was  so 
called  by  His  enemies,  what  may  we  expect 
if  we  live  like  Him?  (Matt.  10:25.) 
What  precaution  was  taken  against  a  false 


claim  that  Jesus  had  arisen  as  He  had  an- 
nounced He  would?  Have  we  any  occa- 
sion to  regret  these  steps  that  the  enemies 
of  Jesus  had  taken?  What  good  resulted 
from  it?  Did  Pilate  accede  to  their  re- 
quest? What  did  he  bid  them  do?  Did 
they  make  it  as  sure  as  they  could?  Did 
they  succeed  in  keeping  Jesus  in  the  sep- 
ulchre? With  what  kind  of  a  Christ  did 
they  imagine  they  had  to  do?  With  what 
kind  of  a  Christ  did  they  discover,  before 
many  days,  they  had  to  do?  What  became 
of  all  their  cunning  plans  to  stop  the  spread 
of  faith  in  Jesus?  Why?  (Prov.  21:30.) 
How  did  all  these  things  that  are  recorded 
as  done  against  Jesus  turn  out  finally?  How 
will  all  the  steps  taken  against  Jesus  by  His 
enemies  finally  result?     (Ps.  76:10.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

]\Iakes  the  free  acts  of  men  carry  out 
His  eternal  purposes  and  fulfills  His 
prophecies,  John  19:33-37;  makes 
trivial  and  seemingly  accid.ental  cir- 
cumstances carry  out  His  eternal 
purposes  and  fulfill  his  prophecies, 
John  19:41-42;  compare  Is.  53^9; 
uses  the  hostile  acts  of  the  enemies 
of  Christ  to  authenticate  His  claims, 
John  19:31-37;  Matt.  27:63-66. 

2.  Jesus. 

Called  a  deceiver,  Matt.  27:63;  com- 
pare c.   10  :25 ; 

Had   a   real  human   body,   John   19:34; 

Died  as  a  pascal  lamb,  John  19:30; 
compare  Ex.  12:46; 

Sooner  than  His  two  companions. 
Why?  (John  19:33;  compare  Matt. 
26:46;  2  Cor.  5:21;  Ps.  69:20;  John 
19:34.)  Died  of  a  broken  heart, 
John  19:34.  What  broke  His  heart? 
Died  to  cleanse  us  from  sin  and  un- 
cleanliness.     Blood  and  water  flowed 


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from  the  pierced  side,  John  19:34; 
compare  Zech.  13:1;  died  beyond  a 
question,  not  merely  apparently  but 
really,  John  19:34,  35;  was  buried, 
John  19:42;  was  laid  away  in  a  rich 
man's  sepulchre,  John  19:42;  sealed 
in  the  sepulchre,  Matt.  27:66;  a 
guard  set  over  the  sepulchre,  Matt. 
27:66; 
His  resurrection  was  unquestionable 
and  genuine.  Matt.  27:63-66;  fulfilled 
prophecy,  John  19:36,  37;  compare 
Ex.  12:46;  Zech.  12:10;  testified  to 
by  a  truthful  eye  witness,  John    19: 

35- 

3.  The  Word  of  God. 

Its  certainty,  John  19:36;  compare  Ex. 
12:46;  John  19:37;  compare  Zech. 
12:10;  John  19:35;  its  minute  ac- 
curacy, John  19:42;  compare  Is.  53: 
9;  its  purpose,  "that  ye  might  believe" 
John  19:35;  its  divine  origin  (see 
references  under  certainty  and  accur- 
acy.) 

4.  The  enemies  of  Christ. 

Very  sensitive  regarding  the  ceremonial 
defilement  of  the  laml,  though  ut- 
terly insensible  to  its  moral  defile- 
ment by  their  enormous  sin,  John 
19:31;  compare  Deut.  21:22-23; 
made  sure  of  Christ's  death,  John 
19:31-34;  made  as  sure  as  they  could 
that  He  should  remain  in  the  sepul- 
chre. Matt.  27:63-66;  remembered 
the    words    of    Jesus,    Matt.    27:63; 


dreaded  their  defilement,  Matt.  27: 
63,  64;  called  Jesus  a  deceiver,  Matt. 
27:63;  imagined  they  had  to  do  with 
a  dead  Christ,  Matt.  27:63-66;  by  all 
their  prudent  and  cunning  attempts 
to  put  Jesus  out  of  the  way,  suc- 
ceeded only  in  establishing  the  real- 
ity of  His  death  and  certainty  of 
His  resurrection,  John  19:31-36; 
Matt.  27:63-66. 

5.  Joseph  of  Arimathea. 

A  secret  disciple,  John  19:38;  en- 
snared by  the  fear  of  man,  38; 
brought  out  by  the  death  of  Christ, 
38;  came  out  at  last  boldly  (more 
boldly  and  fearlessly  than  those  who 
had  come  out  before  him)  38;  took 
the  body  of  Jesus — whom  the  world 
had  rejected  and  crucified — and  bur- 
ied it  in  his  own  new  tomb,  38-42; 
compare  Matt.  27:60;  performed 
most  disagreeable  duties  and  those 
that  involved  ceremonial  defilement 
and  exclusion  from  the  passover, 
John  19:38,  39;  influenced  Nico- 
demus  by  his  bold  attitude  (?)  John 
19 :38,  39- 

6.  Nicodemus. 

Came  to  Jesus  at  first  by  night,  John 
19:39;  came  out  boldly  with  Joseph 
when  others  had  deserted,  39; 
brought  a  costly  offering  at  the  last 
to  the  crucified  One,  39;  performed 
laborious  and  defiling  service  for  the 
crucified   One,   40. 


LESSON  135. 
The  Resurrection  of  Jesus.     Mark   16:1-1 


John  20:1-18;    compare 
Matthew  28:1-15;    Luke  23:56-24:12. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

J.  Mary  Magdalene  and  the  other  women 
go  to  the  tomb  to  embalm  Jesus,  Mark  16: 
1-4;  John  20:1. 


At  what  time  of  day  does  this  lesson 
open?  (Mark  16:1.)  What  did  they  do  that 
evening?  (Matt.  28:1,  R.  V.)  Did  the 
body  of  Jesus  need  embalming?     Was  this 


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323 


mistaken  service  acceptable  to  Jesus? 
Ought  they  to  have  known  that  the  body  of 
Jesus  was  not  lying  in  the  sepulchre? 
(Matt.  16:21;  20:19.)  Why  didn't  they 
know  it?  Why  are  there  so  many  things 
about  Jesus  which  we  ought  to  know  that 
we  do  not  know?  How  did  their  act  re- 
veal the  depth,  earnestness  and  unselfish- 
ness of  their  love?  How  was  that  love  to 
be  rewarded?  In  what  way  was  the  eager- 
ness of  their  love  shown?  (John  20:1; 
Mark  16:2.)  Are  people  nowadays  much 
in  the  habit  of  getting  up  early  to  perform 
services  for  Christ?  In  what  way  did  they 
display  their  courage?  What  time  of  day 
was  it  when  they  reached  the  tomb?  When 
does  John  seem  to  say  it  was?  (John  20: 
I.)  How  can  these  seeming  discrepancies 
as  to  the  time  be  reconciled?  Was  it  dark 
in  more  senses  than  one  when  they  started 
for  the  sepulchre?  How  dark  was  it? 
But  what  was  just  at  hand?  What  diffi- 
culty occurred  to  their  minds  as  standing  in 
the  way  of  their  enterprises?  (Mark  16: 
3,  R.  V.)  Ought  they  not  to  have  thought 
of  that  before? 

Which  is  better,  the  practical  common 
sense,  that,  foreseeing  all  the  difficulties, 
sits  down  and  does  nothing,  or  the  un- 
calculating  love  that  follows  its  own  im- 
pulse and  risks  the  difficulties?  Was  the 
difficulty  great  in  this  case?  (Mark  16:4; 
Matt.  28:60.)  Who  removed  it?  (Matt. 
28:2.)  If  we  march  right  up  to  the  diffi- 
culties that  lie  in  the  path  of  loving  devo- 
tion to  Christ,  what  will  become  of  them? 
Would  these  women  have  missed  anything 
if  they  had  been  disheartened  by  the  diffi- 
culties and  gone  back?  How  is  it  that  we 
miss  many  of  the  blessings  God  has  for 
us?  (Rev.  2:10.)  Who  had  tried  to  make 
the  entrance  of  the  disciples  into  the  sepul- 
chre impossible?  (Matt.  27:62-66.)  Had 
their  precautions  seemed   sufficient?     Why 


did  they  amount  to  nothing  after  all?  Why 
do  all  the  obstacles  which  the  enemies  of 
Christ  put  in  the  way  of  the  disciples  of 
Christ  amount  to  nothing?  (R6.  8:31; 
Prov.  21:30.)  Was  the  stone  rolled  away 
to  let  Jesus  out  or  to  let  the  disciples  in? 

2.  Mary  goes  in  search  of  Peter  and 
John,  John  20:2. 

What  did  Mary  at  once  conclude  when 
she  saw  the  stone  rolled  back  from  the 
door  of  the  sepulchre?  How  did  Mary 
feel  about  it?  (John  20:13.)  Was  there 
any  real  cause  for  mourning?  If  her  eyes 
could  have  followed  the  body  of  her  Lord 
to  where  it  really  was  would  she  have 
mourned?  If  the  eyes  of  many  mourners, 
who  stand  beside  the  empty  cradle  or  chair 
could  follow  the  missing  person  to  where 
he  really  is  would  they  mourn?  What 
did  Mary  do?  What  did  she  still  call 
Jesus?  Was  her  faith  all  gone ?  If  she  had 
had  the  faith  she  ought  to  have  had  what 
would  have  been  her  explanation  of  the 
empty  sepulchre?  What  then  lay  at  the 
bottom  of  Mary's  deep  and  bitter  sorrow? 

3.  The  other  women  enter  the  sepulchre, 
Mark  16:3-8. 

Did  they  find  what  they  expected  in  the 
sepulchre?  What  did  they  see?  What 
was  the  effect  upon  them?  (Compare  Luke 
24:5.)  Why  were  they  frightened?  What 
ought  to  have  been  their  feelings  ?  Why 
were  they  not  prepared  for  such  an  ex- 
perience? With  what  glad  tidings  did  the 
angel  seek  to  reassure  them?  What  is  the 
most  re-assuring  of  all  Christian  truths? 
What  sort  of  a  Saviour  had  they  sought? 
What  sort  of  a  Savior  had  they  found? 
What  part  has  the  crucified  Saviour  in  our 
salvation?  (Ro.  5:10,  first  half.)  What 
part  has  the  risen  Saviour  in  our  salvation? 
(Ro.   5:10,   last  half;    Heb.   7:25;    i   John 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


2:1;  Ro.  4:25;  Acts  2:32,  33;  Col.  2:12, 
13.)  What  is  the  believer's  reply  to  all 
who  would  condemn?  (Ro.  8:34-)  Ought 
the  announcement  of  the  angel  to  have 
surprised  the  disciples?  How  had  it  all 
turned  out?  (c.  9:31.)  How  will  every- 
thing turn  out?  Are  we  ever  surprised 
when  things  turn  out  just  as  Jesus  says 
they  will?  Why  is  that?  Were  the  women 
allowed  to  linger  at  the  tomb  ?  How  were 
they  to  go?  (Matt.  28:7.)  Is  there  any 
lesson  in  that  for  us?  Who  were  the  first 
divinely  commissioned  preachers  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  the  resurrection?  Ought  not  those 
women  to  have  kept  silence  in  the  church? 
Who  was  especially  mentioned  to  whom 
they  should  tell  the  good  news?  Why. "and 
Peter"?  Where  were  the  disciples  told  to 
go?  What  for?  Did  they  not  see  Him 
before  they  reached  Galilee?  (John  20: 
19.)  Is  there  any  inconsistency  in  these 
two  accounts?  What  were  their  feelings 
as  they  left  the  sepulchre?  (Compare 
Matt.  28:8.)     Why  were  they  afraid? 

4.  Peter  and  John  af  the  sepulchre,  John 
20:3-10. 

What  was  the  effect  upon  Peter  and 
John  of  the  information  Mary  brought? 
How  did  they  go?  Why  did  they  run? 
Which  got  there  first?  Why?  What  did 
he  do?  Why  did  he  not  go  in?  What  did 
he  see?  What  did  Peter  do?  Why  did  he 
enter  in?  What  did  he  see?  Was  there 
anything  significant  in  the  linen  clothes 
lying  and  the  napkin  "rolled  up  in  a  place 
by  itself"?  What  did  John  do  after  Peter 
had  entered?  What  was  the  result  of  his 
entering?  What  did  he  see?  What  did  he 
believe  (v.  9)  ?  Why  did  he  believe  upon 
merely  seeing  the  linen  clothes  lying  and 
the  napkin  "rolled  up  in  a  place  by  itself" f 
Had  they  believed   up  to   that  time?     Had 


they  any  grounds  for  belief?  (Matt.  16: 
21 ;  Mark  9:9,  10.)  Is  it  credible  that  with 
all  the  previous  announcements  of  the  res- 
urrection they  should  not  believe?  Why 
had  they  not  understood?  (Mark  9:31, 
32.)  What  reason  does  John  give  for  their 
not  believing  until  then?  (Compare  Ps. 
16:10;  22:16,  22;  Is.  26:19;  53:10.)  Were 
they  to  blame  for  not  understanding  all  this, 
and  believing?  (Luke  24:25,  26.)  What 
did  they  do  next? 

5.  Mary  Magdalene  comes  the  second 
time  to  the  sepulchre  and  the  risen  Christ 
makes  His  first  appearance,  John  20:11-18; 
Mark   16:9-11. 

Who  had  come  back  to  the  sepulchre 
while  Peter  and  John  were  there?  When 
they  left  what  did  she  do?  (John  20:11.) 
Why  did  she  not  go  home?  What  was  she 
doing  there?  As  she  wept  what  did  she 
do?  What  did  she  see?  Why  had  not  the 
disciples  seen  them?  When  does  God 
make  His  especial  revelations?  Was  she 
particularly  impressed  by  the  angels?  Why 
not?  What  did  the  angels  say?  Why 
did  they  ask  that  (v.  15)  ?  Are  Jesus  and 
the  angels  interested  in  our  sorrows  today? 
What  was  her  sorrow  founded  upon?  How 
many  of  our  sorrows  are  founded  upon  a 
mistake?  How  did  she  speak  of  Jesus 
here?  (Compare  2.)  Would  you  weep  if 
some  one  should  take  away  your  Lord  and 
you  did  not  know  where  to  find  Him? 
What  kind  of  Lord  was  she  about  to  find? 
What  did  she  do  as  she  said  that?  Why 
did  she  turn  herself?  Whom  did  she  see? 
Did  she  recognize  Him?  Does  Jesus  ever 
stand  beside  us  and  we  do  not  recognize 
Him?  Why  did  she  not  recognize  Him? 
(John  21:4;  Mark  16:12;  Luke  24:16,  32.) 
What  held  her  eyes?  What  question  did 
Jesus  put  to  her?  Why  did  He  put  that 
question   to   her?     How    did    His   question 


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325 


differ  from  that  of  the  angels?  What  was 
Mary's  answer?  Could  she  "take  Him 
away"?  Why  then  did  she  say  she  would? 
What  happened  just  then?  When  Mary 
heard  that,  what  did  she  know?  What 
was  Mary's  feehng?  Will  there  ever  come 
such  a  wondrous  moment  in  our  lives? 
What  did  she  say?  How  do  you  explain 
the  "turned  herself"?  (Compare  v.  14.) 
What  did  Mary  do?  What  is  the  meaning 
of  the  "Touch  Me  not"?  (The  primary 
meaning  of  the  Greek  word  used  is  "to 
fasten  one's  self  to,"  "to  cling  to").  Note 
the  contrasted  duty  "but  go,  etc.,"  and 
compare  Matt.  28:7,  9,  10.)  Instead  of 
clinging  to  Him,  what  was  Mary  to  do? 
Are  there  ever  times  now  when,  instead 
of  clinging  to  the  Lord  who  has  mani- 
fested Himself  to  us,  we  should  speed  away 
and  tell  to  sorrowing  hearts  the  good 
news  ? 

To  whom  did  Jesus  commit  the  first 
preaching  of  the  Gospel  of  a  risen  Christ? 
Had  this  woman  to  whom  Jesus  first  ap- 
peared after  His  resurrection  and  to  whom 
He  committed  the  first  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  of  a  risen  Christ,  ever  been  very 
low  down?  (Mark  16:9.)  Does  the  fact 
that  one  is  very  low  down  in  Satan's  power 
prove  that  God  will  never  exalt  him  to  a 
place  of  special  honor?  What  was  the 
message  she  was  to  bear?  How  did  He 
speak  of  the  disciples?  (Matt.  28:10.)  Is 
He  then  our  brother  still?  Why  did  He 
not  say  "Our  Father"?  Is  there  any  in- 
dication here  that  the  disciples  were  at 
this  time  regenerate  men?  How  do  we  be- 
come sons  of  God?  (Gal.  3:26;  John  1:12, 
13.)  How  further  does  Jesus  speak  of  the 
One  to  whom  He  went?  What  is  indi- 
cated by  the  use  of  the  expression  "my 
God"?  By  the  coupling  of  these  two 
titles,  what  do  we  see  that  the  one  who 
is  our  God  at  the  same  time  is?      (See  also 


Is.  41:10;  Jer.  31:33;  Rev.  21:3.)  What 
did  Mary  do?  What  would  it  have  been  if 
she  had  refused  or  delayed  to  go  with  this 
glad  message  to  these  sorrowing  hearts? 
Has  He  given  us  any  commission  like 
]\Iary's  (Mark  16:15.)  What  if  we  re- 
fuse or  delay  to  go  with  the  glad  mes- 
sage? What  did  Mary  find  the  disciples 
doing?  (Mark  16:10.)  Why  were  they 
weeping?  Why  was  that  weeping  out  of 
place?  Do  Christians  ever  go  mourning 
and  weeping  as  if  they  had  a  dead  Christ? 
What  is  the  best  news  to  take  them  ?  How 
was  Mary's  testimony  received?  (Mark 
16:11.)  Why  ought  it  to  have  been  be- 
lieved? (Luke  24:25;  Matt.  26:31,  32.) 
Is  it  credible  that  after  all  the  plain  an- 
nouncements of  the  resurrection,  the  dis- 
ciples should  be  so  entirely  unprepared  for 
it?  What  will  help  us  to  understand  that? 
Were  the  disciples  in  a  state  of  mind  to 
imagine  a  resurrection  which  did  not  really 
take  place?  What  interval  marks  of  gen- 
uineness does  the  storv  bear? 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 


I.    Jesus. 


His  divinity,  John  20:17;  His  human- 
ity, John  20:12,  17;  Mark  16:6;  His 
subordination  to  the  Father,  John 
20:17;  His  superiority  to  the  angels, 
John  20:12;  His  crucifixion,  Mark 
16:6;  His  burial,  John  20:12;  His 
resurrection,  John  20:1-8;  Mark  16: 
i-ii;  His  ascension,  John  20:17;  His 
sublime  calmness,  John  20:7;  His 
wondrous  tenderness — "Mary,"  John 
20:15;  His  matchless  forbearance — 
"And  Peter,"  ]\Iark  16:7;  His  untir- 
ing sympathy  evidenced  by  a  deep  in- 
terest in  human  sorrow  (John  20:15) 
and  His  standing  beside  His  disciples 
in  their  grief  (John  20:14)  ;  unweary- 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


ing  patience  evidenced  in  revealing 
Himself  to  loving  and  sorrowing 
hearts  even  when  in  culpable  ignor- 
ance and  unbelief,  John  20:14-17; 
Mark  16:9-11;  His  infinite  condescen- 
sion evidenced  by  His  revealing 
Himself  to  those  who  seek  Him 
ignorantly  and  blindly  (John  20:15, 
16)  and  by  appearing  first  to  one 
who  had  been  possessed  of  seven  dem- 
ons and  commissioning  her  as  the 
first  preacher  of  the  Gospel  of  a  risen 
Christ,  Mark  16:9; 
His  amazing  magnanimity  shown  even 
after  His  glorious  resurrection  in 
calling  the  crushed  and  cowering  dis- 
ciples, "my  brethren,"  John  20:17; 
His  loving  command,  to  go  tell  sor- 
rowing hearts  the  glad  tidings  of  a 
risen  Christ,  John  20:17. 

2.    Mary. 

(i)     Her   condition   when   she   first   met 
Jesus: 
Possessed  by  seven  demons,  Mark  16: 

9- 

(2)  What  Jesus  had  done  for  her: 
Cast  the  demons  out,  Mark  16:9. 

(3)  Her  love  to  Jesus: 

Bought  spices  to  anoint  Him,  Mark 
16:1;  came  to  the  tomb  very  early, 
while  it  was  yet  dark,  Mark  16:1; 
John  20:1;  could  not  leave  the  tomb 
where  her  loved  One  had  lain  even 
after  she  had  found  it  empty,  John 
20:11  (the  first  and  last  at  the  Sav- 
iour's tomb)  ;  clung  to  the  titles, 
"Lord"  and  "my  Lord"  even  when 
faith  was  broken  and  almost  dying, 
John  20 :2,  13 ;  had  no  eyes  even 
for  angels  now  her  Lord  was  gone, 
and  desired  no  heavenly  visitors  but 
Jesus  Himself,  John  20:12-14;  for- 
got her  weakness,  in  her  love  and  of- 


fered to  do  the  impossible  for  Kim 
she  loved,  John  20:15;  reached  out 
her  hands  to  cling  to  the  risen  Lord 
the  moment  she  heard  his  voice,  John 
20:17;  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  be- 
loved even  when  He  bade  her  leave 
Him — leaving  the  place  of  raptur- 
ous vision  of  Himself  for  the  place 
of  kindly  service  to  others,  John  20: 
18. 

(4)  What  was  done  for  her : 

The  stone  was  rolled  away  by  angel 
hands  that  she  might  get  access  to 
the  empty  tomb,  John  20:1;  a  vision 
of  two  angels  granted  to  her,  John 
20:12;  a  vision  of  Jesus  Himself 
granted  to  her,  John  20:14;  the  voice 
of  Jesus  heard  in  tender  self-revela- 
tion, "Mary",  John  20:16. 

(5)  Her  mistakes: 

She  imagined  her  Lord  was  stolen 
when  He  was  in  fact  risen,  John  20: 
2,  13 ;  she  wept  over  a  stolen  Lord 
when  she  should  have  rejoiced  over 
a  risen  Lord,  John  20:11;  in  her 
grief  mistook  angels  for  men,  John 
20:12-14;  in  her  grief  mistook  Jesus 
Himself  for  the  gardener,  John  20: 

14,   15- 

(6)  Her  quick  recognition  of  her  risen 
Lord  in  the  one  familiar  call,  "Mary," 
John  20:16. 

(7)  Her  commission: 

Leave  the  place  of  ecstatic  communion 
and  speed  away  to  comfort  sorrow- 
ing hearts  with  the  glad  tidings  of 
a  risen  and  ascending  Lord,  John 
20:17. 

3.    The  other  women. 

Their  love  to  Jesus,  Mark  16:1,  2;  per- 
plexity, Mark  16:3;  deliverance  from 
their  perplexity,  Mark  16 :4 ;  privilege, 
Mark  16:5,  6;  commission,  Mark  16: 


STUDIES  IN  THE    LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


327 


7 ;  disobedience  through  foolish  fear : 
"They  said  nothing  to  any  one,"  etc., 
Mark  i6:8,  R.  V. 

•4.     John. 

Loved  of  Jesus,  John  20:2;  forgetful 
of  his  Lord's  oft  repeated  words, 
John  20  :9 ;  compare  Matt.  16 :2i,  22 ; 
Ignorant  of  the  Scripture,  John  20: 
9;  ran  to  the  empty  tomb,  John  20: 
4;  outran  Peter,  John  20:4;  stopped 
reverently  without,  John  20 :5 ; 
looked  in  with  eager,  anxious  gaze, 
John  20:5;  saw  the  linen  cloths  lying, 
John  20:5;  followed  Peter's  example 
and  entered,  John  20 :8 ;  saw  the  nap- 
kin "rolled  in  a  place  by  itself"  and 
believed  in  a  risen  Christ,  John  20: 
7,8. 

5.    Peter. 

Tenderly  loved  by  Christ  even  after 
his  denial,  Mark  16:7,  see  4:2,  3,  4; 
rushed  impetuously  and  unhesitat- 
ingly into  the  tomb,  John  20 :6 ;  saw 
the  linen  cloths  lying  and  the  napkin 


rolled  up  in  a  place  by  itself,  John 
20:6,  7;  failed  to  see  their  meaning, 
John  20:8. 

6.  The  disciples. 

Their  mistaken  grief : 

Mourned  a  dead  Christ  when  He  was 
really  risen,  Mark  16:10. 
Their  undeserved  privilege : 

Mary  was  sent  to   them  with  the  glad 
tidings  of  a  risen  Christ,  John  20:17. 
Their  great  glory: 

"My  brethren,"   John   20:17. 
Their   persistent  unbelief:     Mark   16: 11. 

7.  Angels. 

Lingered  about  the  scene  of  Jesus' 
victory  over  death,  John  20:12; 
Mark  16:5-7;  ministering  spirits, 
Mark  16:5-7;  take  an  interest  in  hu- 
man sorrow,  John  20:13;  are  especi- 
ally near  Christ's  most  sorrowing 
ones,  John  20:12;  compare  5-7;  first 
announced  the  resurrection,  Mark 
16 :6. 


LESSON  136. 
Jesus  Appears  to  Two  Disciples  on  the  Way  to  Emmaus.    Luke  24:13-35. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.  The  tzvo  disciples  opening  their 
hearts  to  the  risen  Christ,  vv.  13-34. 

Who  were  the  two  who  were  going  to 
Emmaus?  Was  either  of  them  an  apostle 
(v.  2)3)  ?  Were  either  of  them  very  notable 
personages?  Is  there  anything  significant 
in  that?  Why  were  they  going  to  Em- 
maus? Why  does  it  appear  very  strange 
that  they  left  Jerusalem  just  at  that  time 
(vv.  21-24)  ?  Why  did  Jesus  choose  these 
two  as  the  men  to  whom  He  should  es- 
pecially manifest  Himself?  Did  He  spend 
much  time  with  them  (vv.  15,  27,  29,  30)  ? 
What  shall  we  say  of  Jesus'  going  seven 
miles  out  of  His  way  and  spending  several 


hours  in  one  of  the  most  eventful  days  of 
His  life  in  comforting  and  recalling  and 
instructing  two  ignorant,  stupid,  insignifi- 
cant disciples?  Would  you  be  willing  to 
do  the  same?  What  were  they  talking 
about?  Was  that  a  natural  topic  of  con- 
versation under  the  circumstances?  What 
is  the  most  natural  topic  of  conversation 
for  Christians?  Is  that  the  topic  you  most 
readily  fall  to  talking  about?  What  hap- 
pened as  they  talked  of  Him?  Does  He 
always  draw  near  as  we  talk  of  Him? 
(>.Tatt.  18:20;  V.  36.)  Is  He  near  now? 
What  sort  of  hearts  did  these  men  have 
as  Jesus  drew  near?  Is  He  always  near 
loving  and  troubled  hearts,  though  they  are 
ignorant  and  unbelieving?     Did  these  two 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


altogether  agree  in  their  views?  Why  did 
not  these  men  recognize  Jesus  at  once? 
(Mark  16:12.)  By  what  were  their  eyes 
holden  (v.  25)  ?  Why  did  He  not  make 
Himself  fully  known  to  them  at  once  and 
settle  their  doubts  that  way?  (vv.  25-27; 
John  4:48;  20:29.)  Does  Jesus  ever  ap- 
pear to  us  in  a  way  that  we  do  not  at  once 
recognize  Him?  (Matt.  25  :44,  45.)  What 
question  did  He  put  to  them?  Did  He  not 
know?  What  then  was  the  purpose  in  ask- 
ing the  question?  Would  you  always  be 
ready  to  have  Jesus  come  alongside  as  you 
walk  and  talk  with  a  friend  and  ask  what 
communications  are  these  that  ye  have  one 
to  another,  as  ye  walk?  What  was  the  ef- 
fect of  Jesus'  question  upon  these  two 
men?  Why  did  it  make  them  sad?  Had 
those  men  any  need  to  be  sad  that  morn- 
ing? Why  were  they  sad  (v.  25)  ?  Whence 
does  all  our  sadness  arise?  (Phil.  4:6; 
Ro.  8:32,  etc.)  What  does  their  answer 
to  Jesus'  first  question  imply?  To  a  real 
Christian,  what  seems  to  be  the  question 
that  men  must  always  be  talking  about? 
How  does  Jesus  further  draw  them  out? 
Had  these  men  any  faith  in  Jesus  of  Naz- 
areth still  remaining?  Did  they  have  any 
courage  left?  What  hope  had  they  enter- 
tained regarding  Jesus?  What  had  become 
of  that  hope?  Had  the  hope  been  well 
grounded?  Was  there  any  sufficient  reason 
for  giving  it  up?  Why  had  they  given  it 
up  (vv.  25-27)  ?  Was  His  crucifixion 
any  proof  that  He  was  not  "He  which 
should  redeem  Israel"  (v.  26)  ?  Why  is  it 
today  that  men  often  give  up  well 
grounded  hopes?  If  we  wish  to  keep  our 
hopes  from  being  wrested  from  us  what 
should  we  do?     (Acts  20:29,  30,  2,2 ;  2  Tim. 

3:13-17-) 

How  must  we  study  the  Scriptures? 
(Ps.  119:18;  compare  v.  25.)  From  what 
did  they  suppose  He  was  to  redeem  Israel? 
What    better    redemption    did    He    bring? 


(Ps.  130:8;  Rev.  5:9;  I  Peter  1:18,  19.) 
What  was  their  reason  for  mentioning  the 
fact  that  this  was  "the  third  day"?  (Mark 
9:31.)  What  further  did  these  men  tell 
Jesus?  Did  they  believe  the  testimony  of 
these  women?  Why  not  (v.  25)?  What 
especial  reason  had  one  of  them  for  be- 
lieving the  testimony  of  these  women?  (v. 
18;  compare  John  19:25.)  Are  there  ever 
nowadays  men  so  determined  in  their  un- 
belief that  they  will  not  receive  the  testi- 
mony of  their  own  wives  to  what  they  have 
seen?  What  was  the  sole  effect  according 
to  their  own  testimony  of  the  women's  say- 
ing upon  those  men?  What  ought  it  to 
have  been?  Had  the  testimony  of  the 
women  been  tested?  With  what  result? 
What  was  the  one  point  at  which  the  men 
stuck?  Who  were  they  like?  (John  20: 
24,  25.)  Were  these  the  kind  of  men  to 
have  an  hallucination  that  they  had  seen 
Jesus  when  they  had  not?  If  it  was  a 
hallucination,  how  long  must  it  have 
lasted?  Is  that  likely?  What  is  evident 
from  all  they  had  to  say  as  to  where  those 
two  disciples  ought  to  have  been? 

2.  The  risen  Christ  opening  the  Scrip- 
tures to  the  two  disciples,  vv.  25-32. 

Why  did  Jesus  not  meet  and  settle  their 
unbelief  by  an  immediate  disclosure  of  His 
own  identity?  What  did  He  do?  With 
what  sin  did  He  charge  them?  Why  did 
He  so  strongly  rebuke  their  sins  and  folly? 
In  what  did  their  folly  consist?  Do  you 
believe  "all  that  the  prophets  have  spoken"? 
What  are  you  then  (v.  25)  ?  Where  does 
Jesus  put  the  man  down  that  disbelieves 
anything  the  prophets  have  written?  Are 
there  any  "fools"  of  that  kind  nowadays? 
Did  Jesus  say  the  whole  trouble  was  with 
their  heads?  Where  is  the  greatest  trouble 
usually  with  skeptics?  (John  7 '■'^7',  S'AA\ 
8:47.)  True  wisdom  consists,  according  to 
this   verse,   in  believing   what?     What   did 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


He  say  that  the  Christ  must  do?  Why 
must  He  suffer?  (Mark  14:49;  compare 
Ps.  22:6-9;  Is.  53;  John  3:14;  Heb.  9:22.) 
What  was  the  outcome  of  these  sufferings? 
(i  Peter  i  :2.)  Who  else  besides  the  Christ 
must  suffer?  (2  Tim.  3:12;  Acts  14:22.) 
What  will  be  the  outcome  of  these  suffer- 
ings? (Ro.  8:17.)  What  did  Jesus  next 
do?  Who  had  inspired  these  prophecies? 
Who  was  the  subject  of  them?  Would  you 
liked  to  have  heard  Him  expound  them? 
Will  He  expound  them  for  us?  Where 
did  He  begin?  How  much  of  the  Scripture 
did  He  take  up?  What  did  He  show  to 
be  the  one  subject  of  Scripture?  (John  5: 
39,  45-47-)  How  many  *of  the  prophets 
spoke  of  Him?  (Acts  3:24.)  What  is 
the  testimony  of  the  prophets  concerning 
Him?  (Acts  10:43.)  How  do  you  account 
for  the  prophets  writing  concerning  Him? 
(2  Peter  i  :2i.)  Can  you  think  of  any 
passage  He  referred  to  in  Moses?  (Gen. 
3:15;  22:18;  49:10;  Deut.  18:15;  Ex.  12, 
etc.)  In  the  prophets?  (Is.  7:14,  53; 
Mic.  5:2-4;  Zech.  12:10,  etc.)  Did  Jesus 
really  desire  to  go  further?  Was  it  not 
deception  on  the  part  of  Jesus  to  make  as 
though  He  would  have  gone  further? 
(Compare  Mark  6:48.)  Why  did  He  not 
go  further?  Is  there  any  lesson  in  all  this 
for  us?  Was  it  much  of  a  privilege  to 
have  Jesus   abide   in  that  home? 

Can  we  have  Jesus  abide  in  our  homes? 
(Rev.  3:20;  John  14:23.)  Would  all  pro- 
fessed Christians  find  it  convenient  to  have 
Jesus  abide  with  them  and  be  present  at 
their  meals?  Is  this  prayer,  "Abide  with 
us,"  one  a  true  Christian  is  likely  to  offer? 
What  is  the  one  thing  recorded  as  oc- 
curring during  Jesus'  stay  at  that  home? 
If  Jesus  sits  at  our  table  what  may  we 
expect  Him  to  do?  Is  there  any  way  in 
which  Jesus  can  sit  at  our  table?  (Matt. 
25:35,    37,    40.)      What    happened    as    He 


broke  their  bread?  How  were  their  eyes 
opened  just  at  that  point?  What  was  the 
result  of  their  eyes  being  opened?  What 
must  happen  if  we  are  to  "know  Him"? 
How  are  our  eyes  to  be  opened?  (John 
7:17,  27,  32;  I  Cor.  2:14,  11;  Acts  16:14; 
I  John  6:20.)  What  happened  as  soon  as 
they  recognized  Him?  Why  did  Jesus 
vanish  as  soon  as  they  knew  Him?  (John 
20:17;  2  Cor.  5:16.)  What  was  the  first 
thought  of  these  disciples  as  Jesus  disap- 
peared? What  was  it  made  the  hearts  of 
these  disciples  burn?  If  you  want  to  make 
a  Christian's  heart  glow,  what  should  you 
give  him?  (Jer.  20 :9;  23  :29.)  What  kind 
of  a  fire  was  it  that  the  opened  Word 
kindled  in  the  hearts  of  these  disciples? 
What  had  been  the  condition  of  their 
hearts  before  Jesus  made  them  burn,  while 
He  talked  with  them  by  the  way  and 
opened  to  them  the  Scriptures?  Did  Jesus 
ever  speak  to  you  by  the  way  and  open 
to  you  the  Scripture  in  such  a  way  that 
your  heart  burned? 

J.  The  tzvo  disciples  opening  to  the 
others  zvhat  the  risen  Christ  had  opened  to 
them,  vv.  33-35- 

What  did  they  do  with  the  glad  truth 
that  had  at  last  burst  upon  them?  Did  it 
take  any  courage  on  their  part?  Why  did 
they  not  wait  until  morning?  Is  there 
any  lesson  here  for  us?  Whom  did  they 
find  in  Jerusalem  ?  Where  was  the  twelfth  ? 
What  had  brought  the  eleven  together? 
Were  the  entire  eleven  there?  (John  20: 
24.)  What  were  the  first  words  with  which 
they  were  greeted  as  they  entered  the 
room?  How  do  you  reconcile  this  with 
Mark  16:12,  13?  (See  vv.  37,  38,  4i-) 
(Note  the  artlessness  and  truthfulness  in 
every  line  of  the  picture.)  Why  was  it 
the  Lord  had  appeared  especially  to 
Simon?      (c.    22:54-62;    Mark    16:7.)      To. 


330 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


whom  were  all  the  appearances  of  Jesus  to 
individuals  made?  (Note  the  especial  ap- 
pearance of  the  Lord :  To  Mary  in  her 
broken-heartedness ;  the  women  in  their 
fear  (Matt.  28:8,  9)  ;  the  two  as  they  were 
slipping  away;  Thomas  in  his  unbelief; 
James  in  his  rejection;  Peter  in  his  peni- 
tence and  dejection;  Paul  in  his  enmity.) 
What  was  the  reply  of  the  two  to  the  cry 
of  the  eleven  that  "The  Lord  is  risen  in- 
deed"? Of  what  have  we  an  illustration 
in  this  mutual  relating  of  what  they  had 
learned?  (Ro.  i:ii,  12.)  Why  was  it  that 
Jesus  was  known  in  the  breaking  of  bread? 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

J.    Jesus. 

The  central  topic  of  all  Scripture,  27; 
a  prophet,  mighty  in  deed  and  word, 
19 ;  the  risen  Son  of  God,  20,  25 ;  an 
atoning  Saviour,  26;  despised,  re- 
jected and  crucified  by  man,  20; 
seeks  out  those  who  most  need  Him, 
15 ;  goes  out  of  His  way  and  spends 
many  hours  of  a  most  momentous 
day  to  reclaim  two  very  unworthy, 
unspiritual,  and  insignificant  back- 
sliders, 13-15;  draws  near  men  as 
they  talk  of  Him,  15;  draws  near 
hearts  that  are  troubled,  15-17;  ap- 
pears in  an  imrecognized  form,  16; 
notes  what  we  talk  about,  17;  wishes 
us  to  unburden  our  hearts  to  Him, 
17-19;  rebukes  our  folly  and  unbelief, 
25;  instructs  our  ignorance,  26,  27; 
first  inspires,  then  fulfills,  then  inter- 
prets prophecy,  27;  enters  glory 
through  suffering,  26;  compare  Phil. 
2:6,  10;  desires  to  abide  with  us,  but 
will  not  go  further  unless  invited,  28, 
29;  blesses  the  bread  when  He  sits  at 
meat,  30;  could  be  distinguished 
from  every  one  else  from  the  way 
He   approached   God  in  prayer,   35; 


spake  as  never  man  spake,  32 ;  prayed 
as  never  man  prayed,  35 ;  recognized 
by  the  eyes  He  Himself  opened,  and 
by  those  alone,  31 ;  opens  the  Word 
and  makes  the  heart  to  glow  with 
faith  and  hope  and  joy,  32;  stands 
in  the  midst  when  we  talk  of  Him, 
36;  his  tender  compassion  appears 
to  those  who  especially  need  Him, 
34;  Jesus  when  known  so  fills  the 
heart  that  men  cannot  but  hasten  to 
tell  the  good  news  to  others,  33. 

2.     The  Word. 

Its  Great  Interpreter : 

Jesus,  2>2. 
Its  absolute  certainty: 

Its  most  incredible  statements  fulfilled 
to  the  letter,  34. 
Its  matchless  power : 

To  open  bUnd  eyes,  31 ;  compare  27, 
45;  to  make  sad  hearts  glow  with 
faith  and  hope  and  joy,  32;  ignor- 
ance of  the  Word  brings  sadness, 
where  knowledge  of  the  Word  brings 
gladness,  17;  neglect  of  the  Word 
opens  the  way  for  us  to  be  robbed 
of  hope,  21 ;  doubt  of  the  Word 
makes  us  fools,  25 ;  doubt  of  the 
Word  reveals  an  evil  heart,  25. 
What  to  do  with  the  Word: 

Read  it  all  from  the  beginning,  27;  be- 
lieve it  all  from  the  beginning,  25 ; 
seek  Christ  in  it  all  from  the  begin- 
ning, 27;  get  Christ  to  interpret  it 
all  from  the  beginning,  27. 

S.     The  tzvo  disciples. 

Obscure,  13,  18;  ignorant,  25;  inspirit- 
ual,  22,  23,  25 ;  unbelieving,  25 ;  hope- 
less, 21;  foolish,  25;  backsliding,  13; 
Jesus  loved  them,  15-27 ;  sought  them, 
15;  taught  them,  27;  abode  with 
them,  29 ;  broke  bread  with  them,  30 ; 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


331 


revealed  Himself  to  them,  31;  their 
singular  journey,  13;  their  wisely 
chosen  topic  of  conversation,  14; 
their  deep  sorrow,  17;  their  shattered 
hope,  21 ;  their  inexcusable  ignor- 
ance, 25 ;  their  strange  incredulity, 
22-25 ;  their  commendable  courage, 
20;  their  partial  faith,  19;  their 
severe  rebuke,  25 ;  their  gracious  de- 
liverance, 25-27;  their  opened  eyes, 
31;  their  burning  hearts,  32;  their 
eager  desire  to  impart  to  others  what 
Jesus  Himself  had  imparted  to  them. 


33;  their  full  recital  of  their  blessed 
experience,  35. 

Faith  and  unbelief. 

The  hard  fought  battle  between  faith 
and  unbelief  in  the  heart  even  of 
disciples,  34-43 ;  faith  is  begotten 
through  the  Word  and  confirmed  by 
holy  experience,  32,  31  ;  unbelief  is 
begotten  through  human  reasoning 
and  discredits  one's  own  experience, 
38;  faith  opens  the  eyes,  unbelief 
blinds  them,  31 ;  faith  begets  peace, 
unbelief  begets  terror,  36-38. 


LESSON  137. 
Jesus'    Two   Appearances   and   Conversations   with   His   Apostles. 

20:19-31. 


John 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

/.  Jesus  appears  unto  the  disciples, 
Thomas  being  absent,  vv.  19-25. 

To  whom  did  Jesus  finally  appear  upon 
the  day  of  His  resurrection?  How  soon  af- 
ter the  return  of  the  two  disciples  from  Em- 
maus  and  their  relation  of  Jesus'  appear- 
ance to  them  was  it?  (Luke  24:35,  36.) 
In  what  state  of  mind  were  the  disciples? 
Does  Jesus  often  appear  unto  His  disciples 
when  they  are  afraid?  (Matt.  14:25.) 
What  word  did  He  speak  to  banish  their 
fear?  Where  was  He  standing  as  He  said 
this?  What  does  Jesus  always  bring  when 
He  stands  in  the  midst?  When  does  He 
stand  in  the  midst?  (Matt.  18:20.)  Of 
what  promise  was  His  coming  and  standing 
in  their  midst,  turning  their  fear  into  peace 
and  their  sorrow  into  joy,  a  fulfillment? 
(John  16:22.)  When  will  He  banish  all 
fear  and  sorrow  forever?  (Is.  25:9;  i 
Thess.  4:16,  17.)  What  fact  is  mentioned  in 
connection  with  His  appearing  that  shows 
that  the  nature  of  the  body  in  which  He 
appeared   was    different    from    that    of    the 


body  in  which  He  was  manifested  before 
His  death  and  resurrection  (v.  19)  ?  What 
was  the  first  effect  upon  the  disciples  of  the 
appearance  and  words  of  Jesus?  (Luke 
24:37.) 

What  would  be  the  first  effect  upon  you 
if  Jesus  should  appear  today?  Why  were 
they  terrified  and  affrighted?  (Luke  24: 
37;  compare  Matt.  14:25,  26.)  Why  did 
they  not  recognize  Jesus  at  once  as  their 
risen  Lord?  (Luke  24:25.)  Were  these 
the  sort  of  men  to  imagine  Jesus  had  risen 
again  when  He  really  had  not,  and  out  of 
their  fancy  weave  a  legend  of  His  resur- 
rection? How  did  Jesus  treat  their  deter- 
mined unbelief  and  hardness  of  heart? 
(Mark  16:14.)  Were  they  any  more  deter- 
mined in  their  unbelief  and  slow  of  heart 
than  we  are?  How  does  He  regard  our 
unbelief?  What  reason  had  they  for  be- 
lieving Jesus  really  had  risen  and  that  it 
was  He  who  now  stood  in  their  midst? 
(Mark  16:13;  Matt.  16:21;  17:9:  20:19; 
Luke  24:44-46.)  Have  we  as  good  reason 
for  believing  Jesus  has  risen  from  the  dead 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


as  they  had  at  this  time?  Is  our  unbelief 
any  more  excusable  than  theirs?  What  is 
the  root  of  it  all?  (Luke  24:25;  Mark  16: 
14;  Heb.  3:12.)  Is  unbelief,  then,  merely 
a  misfortune  to  be  pitied  or  a  sin  to  be 
rebuked  and  repented  of?  What  did  Jesus 
do  in  order  to  overcome  their  persistent 
unbelief  and  convince  them  that  beyond 
a  question  it  vi^as  really  Himself?  (v.  20; 
compare  Luke  24:38-40,  41-43-)  What  sort 
of  an  act  on  Jesus'  part  was  this?  Were 
the  disciples  convinced  at  last?  What 
were  the  feelings  of  their  hearts  when  at 
last  unbelief  gave  way  to  faith? 

Would  you  be  "glad"  if  you  should  see 
the  Lord?  Now  that  they  were  really  con- 
vinced that  it  was  He,  what  did  Jesus  say 
(v.  21)?  Why  did  Jesus  repeat  these 
words?  Does  He  need  to  repeat  His  mes- 
sages of  comfort  to  us  before  we  really 
grasp  their  significance?  Was  this  a  com- 
mon form  of  salutation  in  those  days? 
Did  Jesus  put  any  new  and  uncommon 
meaning  into  this  old  and  common  form  of 
salutation?  Had  Jesus  ever  said  anything 
to  them  about  peace  before  this?  (c.  14: 
27;  16:33.)  Did  Jesus  merely  say,  "Peace 
be  unto  i'ou"  or  did  He  actually  impart 
peace  as  well?  Having  given  them  peace, 
what  did  He  next  give  them  (v.  21)  ?  Why 
did  He  give  them  peace  before  He  gave 
them  their  commission?  What  must  we 
first  have  in  our  own  hearts  before  Jesus 
sends  us  forth?  How  did  Jesus  send 
them?  (Compare  c.  17:18.)  How  had 
the  Father  sent  Him?  (Is.  61:1-3;  com- 
pare Mark  16:15;  Matt.  28:18-20.)  What 
preparation  was  necessary  before  they  could 
fulfill  the  commission  .which  He  gave  them? 
(v.  22 ;  compare  Luke  24  -.49 ;  Acts  i  :4,  5. 
8;  10:38.)  When  Jesus  breathed  upon 
them,  did  they  actually  receive  the  Holy 
Spirit  at  that  moment  or  was  it  symbolical 
of  the  fitting  He  was  afterwards  to  impart 


for  the  fulfillment  of  their  commission  just 
given?  (Acts  1:5;  2:4;  John  7:39;  16:7; 
Acts  2:23.)  By  breathing  upon  them,  and 
thus  assuming  to  be  the  One  who  imparts 
the  Holy  Spirit,  whom  did  Jesus  assume  to 
be?  (Gen.  2:7;  Job  33:4;  Ps.  33:6;  com- 
pare Ro.  8:9.)  By  reason  of  this  Holy 
Spirit  whom  Jesus  was  to  impart  as  a  prep- 
aration for  service  what  were  they  to  have 
power  to  discern  (v.  23)  ?  Was  it  by  vir- 
tue of  any  office  which  was  to  descend  upon 
a  line  of  successors  or  was  it  by  virtue  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  which  they  were  to  receive 
that  they  were  to  be  able  to  forgive  and 
retain  sins?  (See  context;  compare  Acts 
13:9,  10;  8:20-23;  I  Cor.  5:4,  5;  2  Cor. 
2:6-10.)  Whose  sins  do  these  apostles  de- 
clare forgiven?  (Acts  10:43;  13:38.  39-) 
Was  the  whole  apostolic  company  present 
at  this  appearance  of  Jesus?  Why  was 
Thomas  not  there? 

Is  it  usually  an  indication  that  one  is 
drifting  away  from  Christ  when  he  is  ab- 
sent from  the  gathering  together  of  the 
disciples  of  Christ  on  the  first  day  of  the 
week?  Ought  Thomas  to  have  been  there? 
(Heb.  10:25.)  Did  he  miss  anything  by 
not  being  there?  What  did  he  miss?  What 
does  one  always  miss  who  neglects  the 
gathering  together  of  Christ's  disciples  in 
His  name?  (Matt.  18:20.)  What  did  the 
other  disciples  say  to  Thomas  as  soon  as 
they  saw  him?  If  "we  have  seen  the 
Lord,"  what  duty  have  we  in  the  matter? 
(Compare  v.  18;  c.  1:41,  45;  Luke  24:33- 
35.)  Are  you  telling  those  who  have  not 
yet  seen  Christ  how  you  have  seen  Him? 
What  would  you  think  of  these  disciples  if 
they  had  not  told  Thomas?  Did  Thomas 
believe  the  testimony  of  the  other  disciples? 
Why  not?  Ought  he  to  have  believed? 
What  reason  had  Thomas  for  believing? 
(Matt.  16:21;  John  20:18;  Luke  24:34;  24: 
'^3-33j  context.)     What  reasons  had  he  for 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


333 


not  believing?  Are  there  anj^  today  who 
set  up  their  own  notions  against  the  testi- 
mony of  apostles,  prophets,  Je'sus  Christ 
Himself  and  the  Word  of  God?  What  lies 
at  the  bottom  of  all  this?  How  does  God 
regard  this  stubborn  unbelief?  (Ps.  78:21, 
22,  31,  32;  106:23,  24.)  What  indication 
have  we  in  the  words  of  Thomas  himself 
of  an  element  of  willfulness  in  his  unbe- 
lief? What  did  Thomas  demand  as  a  con- 
dition of  believing  that  what  Jesus  said 
would  occur  and  what  the  disciples  de- 
clared had  occurred  really  had  occurred? 

Is  it  a  good  sign  when  one  demands  of 
God  certain  self-chosen  proofs  as  a  condi- 
tion of  believing  His  Word?  Who  else 
did  this  same  thing?  (Matt.  27:42;  16 :r- 
4.)  Are  such  demands  ever  made  today? 
Does  God  usually  regard  such  demands? 
(Matt.  16:4.)  Was  it  in  keeping  with  the 
character  of  Thomas  as  revealed  on  other 
occasions  to  make  this  demand?  (c.  11: 
16;  14:5.)  Was  Thomas  the  sort  of  man 
to  believe  on  ihsufificient  evidence  in  a  res- 
urrection that  had  not  really  taken  place? 
What  does  the  fact  that  such  a  man  as  he 
was  at  last  convinced  prove? 

2.  Jcsns  appears  unto  Thomas,  vv.  26- 
29. 

How  long  was  Thomas  left  to  grope  in 
the  darkness  of  his  imbelief  ?  Wh}-  did  not 
Jesus  appear  to  Thomas  sooner?  Where 
had  Jesus  bidden  the  disciples  go?  (]Matt. 
28:10.)  Why  did  they  remain  in  Jerusalem 
another  week  when  Jesus  had  bidden  them 
to  go  into  Galilee  ?  What  evidence  have  we 
that  their  testimony  had  made  some  ''m- 
pression  upon  Thomas  even  if  he  had  not 
accepted  it?  Was  there  any  readiness  upon 
his  part  to  believe?  Is  there  on  the  part  of 
the  average  unbeliever  any  readiness  to  be- 
lieve? Would  you  be  willing  to  accept  the 
Bible  and  take  your  stand  upon  its  truths, 


if  it  could  be  shown  you  with  reasonable 
probability  that  it  was  God's  Word?  What 
occurred  as  they  were  all  together  there? 
How  came  Thomas  to  be  there?  What  did 
Jesus  say?  What  is  His  constant  message 
when  He  comes  and  stands  in  the  midst? 
(Compare  vv.  19,  21.)  What  did  He  say 
to  Thomas?  What  elements  of  Christ's 
character  are  revealed  in  this  treatment  of 
Thomas?  (Compare  Ps.  78:38;  103:13, 
14;  I  Tim.  1:14-16.)  What  had  Thomas 
been,  up  to  this  time?  What  did  Jesus 
wish  him  to  become?  What  does  Jesus 
wish  every  Christian  man  to  become?  Is 
it  very  important  that  he  should?  (Heb. 
3:18,  19;  4:1,  2;  10:38,  39;  Mark  16:16.) 
What  was  the  effect  upon  Thomas  of  what 
he  saw?  Was  Thomas  right  in  addressing 
the  risen  Christ  as,  "My  Lord  and  my 
God"?  (c.  5:23;  Ps.  45:6,  11;  Is.  9:6;  25: 
9;  40:9-11;  Heb.  1:6,  8,  10-12.) 

Did  Jesus  accept  the  titles  that  Thomas 
gave  Him?  If,  then,  He  is  not  our  Lord 
and  our  God,  what  is  He?  If  He  is 
rightly  our  Lord  and  our  God,  of  what 
sin  are  we  guilty  if  we  do  not  accept  Him 
as  such?  Have  you  accepted  Him  as  your 
Lord  and  your  God?  Had  any  of  the  other 
disciples  up  to  this  time  attained  to  such 
a  height  of  faith  as  Thomas  here  reached? 
Does  it  often  happen  that  those  who  are 
most  stubborn  in  their  unbelief  when  they 
are  at  last  convinced  show  a  depth  and 
strength  of  faith  that  those  who  believe 
more  readily  have  not  reached  as  yet? 
What  did  Jesus  reply  to  the  cry  of 
Thomas  ?  How  can  one  rationally  believe 
without  seeing?  (Ro.  10:17.)  Have  we 
any  instances  in  the  Bible  of  those  who  be- 
lieved on  the  bare  word  of  God  without 
seeing?  (Luke  1:38,  45;  Heb.  11:8,  17-19. 
30.)  What  is  faith?  (Heb.  11  :i,  R.  V.) 
What  does  Jesus  say  of  those  who  believed 
on  the  bare  Word  of  God  w'ithout  seeing? 


334 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


Do  you  know  this  blessedness  of  believing 
without  seeing?  Is  Jesus  pleased  with 
those  who  will  not  believe  without  see- 
ing? (c.  4:48.)  Has  one  who  will  not  be- 
lieve the  truth  unless  he  is  fairly  compelled 
to  a  real  love  for  the  truth? 

3.  Why  John  wrote  his  Gospel,  vv.  30, 
21- 

Does  the  Gospel  of  John  contain  a  record 
of  all  the  miracles  wrought  by  Jesus?  Why 
did  John  write  those  signs  which  he  did? 
What  were  the  two  things  about  Jesus  that 
John  desired  men  to  believe?  What  will 
be  the  result  of  a  heart  faith  that  "Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God"?  Can  one 
who  does  not  believe  this  have  life?  (Mark 
16:16;  I  John  5:10-12;  John  3:16,  18,  36.) 
What  is  the  one  who  denies  that  Jesus  is 
the  Christ?  (i  John  2:22.)  In  what  is  it 
that  we  get  the  life  that  comes  to  the  one 
who  believes?  (31,  R-  V.;  compare  Luke 
24:47;  Acts  10:43;  13:38,  39-)  If  this 
Book  was  written  that  men  might  "be- 
lieve that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of 
God  and  that  believing"  they  might  "have 
life  in  His  name,"  what  is  the  best  Book 
to  put  in  the  hands  of  those  we  wish  to 
have  believe  and  receive  life?  For  what 
purpose  did  John  write  his  first  epistle? 
(i  John  5:13.) 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jestis. 

(i)     What  He  is: 
The   Christ,  31;   the   Son  of   God,   31; 
my  Lord  and  my  God,  28;  divine,  22; 
compare  Gen.  2:7;  Job  33:4;  Ps.  33: 
6;  human,  20,  27. 

(2)  His  relation  to  the  Father: 

Sent  by  the  Father  (subordination),  21. 

(3)  His  resurrection  body: 

The  same  body  that  was  crucified,  25; 


changed  body — closed  doors  no  hind- 
rance, 19,  26. 

(4)  His  great  activity  and  power: 

Did  many  signs  which  are  not  recorded, 
30;  compare  21 :25. 

(5)  Jesus  and  His  disciples: 
Appeared  to  His  doubting  and  fright- 
ened disciples,  19 ;  compare  Luke  24 : 
36-43;  Mark  16:14;  stood  in  their 
midst,  19;  appeared  to  them  again, 
26;  always  appeared  on  the  first  day 
of  the  week,  19,  26 ;  his  constant  mes- 
sage to  them :  "Peace  be  unto  you," 
19,  21,  26;  showed  unto  them  His 
hands  and  His  side,  20;  He  gave 
them  peace,  19-21 ;  a  commission  to 
others  the  same  that  He  Himself  re- 
ceived from  the  Father,  21 ;  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  carry 
out  the  commission,  22. 

(6)  Jesus  and  Thomas  : 

Pardons  his  neglect  and  wandering  and 
unbelief  and  appears  to  him  after 
eight  days,  26;  shows  to  him  the 
proof  demanded,  the  print  of  the 
nails  and  the  pierced  side,  25,  27 
(wondrous  patience,  long-suflfering, 
compassion  and  condescension)  ;  in- 
vites Thomas  to  put  his  finger  into 
the  nail  print,  his  hand  into  the  side, 
27;  bids  Thomas  to  be  not  faithless 
but  believing,  27;  gently  rebukes  the 
reluctance  of  Thomas'  faith  and 
holds  up  to  him  the  blessedness  of  a 
faith  that  rests  upon  the  bare  word 
and  does  not  ask  to  see,  29. 

(7)  Jesus  and  Life: 

Life  is  in  His  name,  31,  R.  V. ;  faith 
in  Him  as  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God, 
the  condition  upon  which  the  life  is 
to  be  had,  31, 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


335 


.     The  disciples. 

Afraid  of  their  enemies,   19;   gathered 
together  by  a  common  fear,  a  com- 
mon hope  and  a   common   love,    19; 
gathered  together  on  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  19,  26. 
What  happened  to  them: 
Jesus  stood  in  their  midst,  19 ;  compare 
Matt.  18:20. 
How  they  received  their  Lord : 
At  first  doubted  and  were  terrified  and 
affrighted,  20;   compare  Luke  24:37; 
then    were    the    disciples    glad    when 
they  saw  the  Lord,  20. 
What  they  received  from  Christ : 

A  sight  of  Himself,  19,  20,  26;  peace, 
19,  21,  26;  the  same  commission 
which  He  had  received  from  the 
Father,  21 ;  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
22;  discernment  to  remit  and  retain 
sins,  23;  gladness,  20;  life,  31. 
What  they  did  about  it: 

Told  to  Thomas  of  the  blessing  which 
they  had  themselves  received,  25. 

Thomas. 

Faithless,  27;  not  with  the  other  dis- 
ciples at  the  first  appearance  of  Jesus 
to  them  (Why  not?),  and  misses  the 
blessing,  24;  hears  the  testimony  of 
the    other    disciples,    25;    rejects    the 


testimony  of  the  other  disciples 
(Why?),  25;  demands  to  see  -in 
Jesus'  hands  the  print  of  the  nails 
and  to  put  even  his  finger  into  the 
print  of  the  nails,  and  to  put  his 
hand  into  His  side  before  he  will  be- 
lieve the  fulfillment  of  the  word  of 
Jesus  or  the  testimony  of  the  apos- 
tles, 25 ;  compare  Matt.  27  :^2 ;  is  with 
the  disciples  at  the  second  appearing 
of  Jesus  (Why?),  26;  sees  the  Lord, 
26,  29;  sees  the  print  of  the  nails 
and  the  hole  in  Jesus'  side,  27;  be- 
lieves, 28;  worships — cries  "my  Lord 
and  my  God,"  28,  (from  the  deepest 
depths  of  stubborn  unbelief  vaults  to 
the  highest  height  of  faith)  ;  be- 
lieved because  he  saw,  29. 

Faith. 

(i)     Why  believe? 
Jesus  commands  it,  27. 

(2)  What  to  believe: 

Jesus  is  the  Christ,  31 ;  Jesus  is  the  Son 
of  God,  31. 

(3)  The  ground  of  faith: 

Not  sight,  29;  the  written  Word,  31. 

(4)  The  result  of  believing: 

Life  in  His  name,  31;  joy,  20;  blessed- 
ness, 29. 


LESSON  138. 
Jesus'  Appearance  to  Seven  Disciples  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee.    John  21:1-24. 

DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 


I.  The  third  appearance  of  Jesus  to  the 
disciples  after  His  resurrection,  vv.  1-14. 

What  is  the  relation  of  c.  21  to  the  rest 
of  the  book?  (See  20:30,  31.)  By  whom 
was  it  written?  What  are  the  "these 
things"  mentioned  in  v.  i?  How  did  the 
disciples    come   to   be   in    Galilee?      (Matt. 


26:32;  28:7;  Mark  16:7.)  How  many  dis- 
ciples were  present  at  this  appearance  of 
our  Lord?  Who  were  they?  Where  had 
all  but  one  of  them  been  mentioned  to- 
gether first?  (John  1:40-51.)  Why  had 
they  Thomas  with  them  now?  Why  are 
Peter  and  Thomas  mentioned  first?  How 
often  has  Nathaniel  been  mentioned  since 
the  first  chapter?     Does  it   follow  that  he 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND   TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


was  not  of  much  account?  How  is  John 
mentioned?  Why  is  he  not  mentioned  by 
name?  Who  was  the  leader  in  the  com- 
pany? What  proposition  did  he  make? 
What  was  Peter's  reason  for  going  fishing? 
(Acts  18:3;  20:34.)  Was  this  a  return  to 
his  old  trade  because  he  despaired  of  the 
high  hopes  for  which  he  had  left  it  ?  What 
is  the  best  way  to  await  great  events  ?  Was 
it  pleasing  to  Christ  for  him  and  the  rest 
to  go  fishing? 

Are  there  other  instances  in  which  God 
granted  special  revelations  to  those  who 
were  at  the  post  of  secular  duty?  (Luke 
2:8;  Matt.  4:18-20,  21.)  What  luck  did 
they  have?  Did  that  remind  them  of  any- 
thing in  the  past?  (Luke  5  :S.)  Who  came 
to  their  help?  When  did  He  come?  When 
we  have  toiled  long  and  wearily  and  fruit- 
lessly, of  what  may  we  be  sure?  Where 
was  Jesus  standing?  Where  were  the  dis- 
ciples? Of  what  may  we  see  a  picture  or 
type  in  Jesus  standing  on  the  shore,  waiting 
for  His  weary  disciples  out  on  the  sea  to 
bring  their  fish  ashore?  Did  the  disciples 
recognize  Jesus?  Why  not?  (v.  12;  John 
20:14;  Mark  16:12;  Luke  24:15,  16,  31.) 
If  some  one  had  been  making  up  a  story  of 
the  appearance  of  Jesus  after  His  resurrec- 
tion, would  he  have  made  it  up  that  way? 
Does  it  ever  happen  today  that  the  dis- 
ciples of  Jesus  do  not  recognize  Him  when 
He  comes  to  give  them  needed  help?  Be- 
fore Jesus  helped  His  disciples,  what  did 
He  draw  out  of  them?  Is  this  His  usual 
method  of  dealing  with  us?  Why  is  it, 
then,  that  He  does  not  help  some  of  us? 
How  did  He  address  them?  What  was  His 
question?  Is  He  interested  today  in  the 
question  whether  our  temporal  needs  are 
supplied?  Is  He  interested  in  our  success 
at  our  trade  or  in  our  business?  What 
were  the  disciples  obliged  to  answer? 
What  were  their  prospects  for  a  breakfast? 


Did  they  have  enough  for  breakfast  when 
the  time  came?  Why?  Will  He  do  so  to- 
day? (Heb.  13:8;  Phil.  4:19;  Heb.  13:5-) 
What  did  He  bid  them  do?  Will  He  tell  us 
where  and  how  to  carry  on  our  daily  toil? 
Could  Jesus  have  secured  the  fish  for  them 
without  the  trouble  of  casting  their  nets 
and  pulling  the  fish  ashore?  Why  did  not 
He?  What  did  He  say  would  be  the  re- 
sult of  doing  as  He  bade  them?  What  may 
we  be  confident  will  be  the  result  of  fish- 
ing the  way  He  bids  us?  Do  we  always 
get  the  immediate  results  they  did?  Of 
what  may  we  be  sure?  (Gal.  6:9.)  How 
did  they  show  their  wisdom  ? 

What  is  the  wisest  thing  any  one  can  do 
when  he  has  any  command  from  the  Lord? 
What  was  the  result?  Why  did  they  get 
such  a  haul?  Why  is  it  we  oftentimes  fail 
to  get  such  a  haul?  Of  what  was  this  haul 
of  fishes  a  prophecy?  (Acts  2:41;  4:4.) 
Have  we  a  right  to  symbolize  these  things 
in  this  way?  (Luke  5:10.)  Why  did  they 
get  such  a  haul  at  Pentecost?  (Luke  24: 
49;  Acts  1:4,  II.)  What  did  one  of  the 
disciples  at  once  recognize  ?  Which  disciple 
was  it?  Why  was  he  the  first  to  recognize 
that  it  was  the  Lord?  Did  he  keep  the  glad 
discovery  to  himself?  What  did  he  have 
to  do  before  Peter  recognized  this  fact? 
What  did  Peter  do?  Why  did  he  do  that? 
(Song  of  Sol.  8:7  first  half.)  What  two 
forms  of  love  have  we  illustrated  here? 
Why  was  Peter  drawn  to  Christ  with  such 
warmth  of  love?  (Luke  7:47-)  Did  he  get 
to  the  Lord  much  quicker  by  jumping  over- 
board ?  Was  it  a  very  prudent  act  ?  Which 
is  the  more  acceptable  to  Christ,  the  cool, 
calculating  prudence  that  never  does  any 
foolish  things  because  it  is  too  cold  to  make 
any  mistakes,  or  warm,  uncalculating  love 
that  sometimes  gets  into  the  water  in  its 
eagerness    to    get    to    Him?      What    other 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND    TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


337 


scene  in  Peter's  life  does  this  suggest? 
(Matt.  14:28,  29.) 

When  Peter  the  first  time  recognized  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  in  a  miracle,  what  was 
his  feeling?  (Luke  5:8.)  Which  sense  of 
sin  is  more  wholesome,  that  which  makes 
us  cry,  "Depart  from  me,"  or  that  which 
draws  us  to  Him?  Where  is  the  safest 
place  for  a  forgiven  sinner  like  Peter? 
Would  it  have  done  for  all  the  disciples  to 
have  jumped  overheard  and  swam  ashore? 
How  did  Peter  make  up  for  leaving  the 
rest  to  drag  the  net  to  shore  (v.  11)? 
What  did  they  find  when  they  reached 
shore?  Of  what  may  we  take  that  as  a 
foreglimpse?  (Heb.  4:9;  Luke  12:37.) 
For  whom  had  the  fire  and  refreshment 
been  prepared?  By  whom?  Does  Jesus 
even  now  prepare  refreshment  for  His 
weary  disciples?  What  did  He  bid  the  dis- 
ciples do?  Could  not  He  provide  enough 
for  their  breakfast  without  their  help? 
Why  did  He  ask  their  aid?  How  many 
fishes  were  there  in  the  net?  What  re- 
markable fact  is  mentioned  in  connection 
with  this?  When  will  nets  stand  a  great 
strain?  Have  we  reason  to  fear  that  the 
implements  we  have  at  our  disposal  will 
not  stand  the  strain  of  any  blessing  He  is 
disposed  to  give?  What  did  Jesus  invite 
them  to  do?  Who  waited  on  the  table?  Is 
there  any  such  invitation  awaiting  us? 
(Luke  12:37.)  Were  the  fish  they  had 
caught  any  sweeter  received  from  His 
hand?  Did  the  scene  make  any  lasting  im- 
pression on  Peter's  mind?     (Acts  10:41.) 

2.  The  risen  Jesus  and  the  penitent 
Petcr^  vv.  15-19. 

To  whom  did  Jesus  especially  address 
Himself  when  breakfast  was  over?  Why? 
By  which  name  does  He  address  Him? 
Why  not  "Peter"?  What  question  did  He 
put  to  him?  What  is  meant  by  "more  than 
these"?       (Matt.     26:33,     35-)       What     is 


Christ's  first  demand  of  all  His  disciples? 
Who  is  to  be  the  supreme  object  of  their 
love?  (Matt.  10:37.)  Has  Christ  a  right 
to  make  such  a  demand?  Has  any  other 
teacher?  What  was  Peter's  answer?  Did 
Peter  use  the  same  word  for  "love"  as 
Christ  used?  (See  R.  V.,  margin.)  Why 
not?  Did  He  say  that  he  loved  Him  more 
than  the  rest  did?  Why  does  he  say, 
"Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee"?  Does 
Jesus  know  we  love  Him?  Which  is  the 
more  important,  that  we  should  know  we 
love  Christ,  or  that  Jesus  should  know  it? 
How  is  love  to  Christ  to  be  shown? 
(John  14:21,  22i.)  How  did  Jesus  show 
that  He  accepted  this  profession  of  love? 
How  was  the  forgiveness  and  compassion 
of  Jesus  shown  in  this  commission?  What 
is  the  meaning  of  this  commission?  What 
second  question  did  Jesus  put?  How  did 
it  differ  from  the  first?  What  second  com- 
mission did  He  give  Him?  How  did  it 
differ  from  the  first?  What  third  question 
did  Jesus  put?  How  did  it  differ  from  the 
other  two?  (R.  V.,  margin.)  What  was 
the  purpose  of  Jesus  in  this  repeated  ques- 
tioning? What  was  the  effect  upon  Peter? 
Why?  What  did  the  threefold  questioning 
suggest?  What  was  Peter's  reply?  What 
was  Christ's  final  commission  to  Peter? 
What  future  fact  did  Jesus  reveal  to  Peter? 
Would  such  intelligence  be  gratifying,  or 
otherwise?  How  was  it  fulfilled?  How 
could  God  be  glorified  by  death?  Can  He 
be  glorified  in  any  other  way?  (John  17: 
4.)  What  final  charge  did  He  give  Peter? 
What  does  "follow  me"  mean?  Is  that 
charge  to  Peter  alone?  (Matt.  16:24.) 
Will  the  pathway  be  smooth  if  we  follow 
Christ?  (2  Tim.  3:12.)  What  will  be  the 
final  result?  (John  12:26.)  What  indica- 
tions have  we  of  the  deep  impression  which 
this  conversation  made  on  Peter's  mind? 
(i  Peter  5:2-4;  2  Peter  1:14.) 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


3.  "Lord,  and  what  shall  this  man  do"? 
vv.  20-24. 

Who  does  Peter  notice  just  at  this  point 
(v.  20)  ?  How  did  he  come  to  see  John 
following?  Why  did  he  turn  about?  What 
question  did  Peter  put  to  the  Lord?  What 
was  his  purpose  in  asking  that  question? 
(Compare  v.  18.)  What  was  Jesus'  an- 
swer? What  was  the  point  of  this  an- 
swer? Did  Jesus  ever  answer  questions  of 
mere  speculative  curiosity?  (Compare 
Luke  13:23-27.)  To  what  coming  did  Jesus 
refer  in  the  words,  "Till  I  come"  (v.  22)  ? 
How  does  this  verse  prove  conclusively 
that  Christ's  coming  does  not  refer  to  the 
death  of  the  individual  believer?  What  re- 
port went  out  among  the  brethren  regard- 
ing John?  Had  Jesus  said  that  he  would 
not  die?  Who  wrote  this  Gospel  (v.  24)? 
Is  the  name  given  ? 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  TEACHINGS. 

I.    Jesus  Christ. 

Comes  to  His  disciples  when  they  are 
faithfully  laboring  at  their  every  day 
work,  3,  4;  comes  to  His  disciples  in 
the  hour  of  their  failure  and  dis- 
couragement, 3,  4;  takes  a  deep  in- 
terest in  His  disciples'  need,  5 ;  takes 
a  deep  interest  in  the  success  or  fail- 
ure of  His  disciples  in  their  every 
day  work,  5:  draws  out  of  His  dis- 
ciples a  confession  of  the  failure  of 
their  own  unaided  efforts  before  He  ^■ 
offers  His  help,  5 ;  teaches  His  dis- 
ciples where  and  how  to  fish,  6;  in- 
structs His  disciples  how  to  perform 
their  daily  toil,  6;  promises  success 
to  those  who  obey  His  instructions, 
6;  He  points  out  the  fish,  but  re- 
quires His  disciples  to  catch  them, 
6:  transforms  utter  failure  into  mar- 


velous success,  s,  6;  gives  the  net 
strength  to  hold  the  blessing  He 
Himself  gives,  11;  waits  with  re- 
freshment on  the  shore  for  His  dis- 
ciples, as  they  toil  wearily  on  the  sea, 
4,  9 ;  compare  Luke  12  -.^y  \  provides 
for  the  physical  needs  of  His  dis- 
ciples, and  shows  them  a  way  to  pro- 
vide for  their  own,  5-13;  spreads  a 
feast  for  His  disciples  when  their 
toil  is  over  and  they  reach  the  land 
bringing  their  fish  with  them,  9; 
Himself  waits  upon  the  disciples,  13; 
compare  Luke  12:37;  demands  the 
supreme  love  of  His  disciples,  15-17; 
compare  Matt.  10 :7,y ;  tests  the  reality 
of  the  professed  love  of  His  disciples, 
15-17;  gives  the  disciple  who  has 
most  lamentably  failed  to  demon- 
strate his  professed  love  an  oppor- 
tunity to  reaffirm  that  love,  15-17; 
accepts  the  humble  reaffirmation  of 
love  on  the  part  of  the  one  who 
failed,  and  gives  him  opportunity  to 
demonstrate  it  by  service,  following 
and  death,  15-19;  never  answers 
questions  of  merely  speculative  curi- 
osity but  bids  us  see  to  it  that  we 
obey  Him,  22 ;  Christ's  first  and  great 
question  of  His  disciples :  "Lovest 
thou  Me?",  15-17;  His  commission  to 
those  who  love  Him :  Feed  my 
lambs,  15;  tend  my  sheep.  16,  R.  V.; 
feed  my  sheep,  17;  follow  Me,  19. 

The  disciples. 

Go  to  the  place  Jesus  has  appointed  to 
meet  them,  21;  compare  Matt.  28:7; 
wait  for  the  expected  meeting  with 
the  Lord  by  faithful  attendance  upon 
ordinary  duties,  3;  toil  long  and 
wearily  and  catch  nothing.  3;  see 
Jesus  on  the  shore  come  to  their  help, 
4;  do  not  recognize  that  it  is  Jesus, 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE   AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


4;  do  just  as  Jesus  bids  them,  6; 
catch  a  great  multitude  of  fishes,  6; 
hasten  to  Jesus,  but  do  not  leave  their 
commonplace  duty  to  get  to  Him, 
but  carry  their  fish  along,  8;  find  a 
feast  after  toil,  9;  what  they  them- 
selves have  caught  ministers  to  the 
feast,  10;  are  served  by  Jesus  Him- 
self, 13. 


2.    Peter. 


Leaves  everything  to  hasten  through  the 
waters  to  the  Lord,  7;  obeys  the  bid- 
ding of  his  Lord,  10,  11;  atones  for 
leaving  the  others  to  pull  the  net  to 
shore  by  pulling  it  to  land  alone,  11; 
is    given    an    opportunity    after    his 


thrice  repeated  denial  of  his  Lord  to 
make  a  thrice  repeated  profession  of 
his  love,  15-17;  professes  his  love  in 
humble  terms,  15-17,  R.  V.,  see  mar- 
gin; compare  Matt.  26:33,  35;  turns 
his  thought  from  his  own  duty  to  ask 
questions  about  another,  20,  21. 

The  genuineness  of  his  love :  Christ 
knew  it,  15-17;  demonstrated  by 
death,  18,  19. 

Jolin. 

The  object  of  Jesus'  peculiar  love,  7; 
keeps  himself  in  the  background,  2; 
puts  the  two  greatest  offenders  in  the 
foreground,  2;  first  to  recognize  the 
Lord,  7 ;  at  once  communicates  his 
glad  discovery  to  another,  7. 


LESSON  139. 

Jesus'  Appearance  to  the  Eleven  on  the  Mountain  in  GaHlee.     Matthew 

28:16-20;    compare  Mark   16:15-18. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

I.     Worshipping  and  doubting,  vv.  16,  //. 

Where  is  the  scene  of  this  lesson  laid? 
Why  had  the  disciples  gone  into  Galilee? 
(v.  16;  compare  v.  7;  Mark  16:7.)  What 
mountain  in  Galilee  was  this?  Had  He 
appeared  to  them  immediately  upon  their 
going  into  Galilee?  (John  21  :i-24.)  What 
did  the  disciples  do  as  soon  as  they  saw 
Jesus?  Did  they  do  right  in  zvorshipping 
Him?  (Compare  c.  4:10;  Ps.  2:12;  45:11; 
John  5:23;  Heb.  1:6.)  Did  Jesus  refuse 
their  worship?  By  thus  accepting  their 
worship,  what  claim  did  Jesus  make? 
(Compare  John  20:28,  29.)  Did  all  wor- 
ship Him?  What  did  some  do?  Were 
there  any  present  at  this  meeting  beside  the 
eleven  Apostles?  (Compare  i  Cor.  15:6.) 
Were  those  who   still  doubted  any  of  the 


eleven,   or   some  of  these  others   that  were 
present? 

^.     The  authority  of  the  King,  vv.  18-20. 

How  great  authority  had  been  bestowed 
upon  Jesus?  (Matt.  28:18,  R.  V.)  By 
whom  was  this  authority  bestowed? 
(Matt.  11:27;  John  3:35;  i  Cor.  15:27.) 
Over  whom  is  this  authority?  (John  17: 
2;  Eph.  1:21,  22;  Acts  10:36;  I  Peter  3:22; 
Phil.  2:10.)  Why  did  the  Father  bestow 
this  authority  upon  Him?  (John  3:35; 
17:2;  Phil.  2:9-19;  John  5:22,  22,.)  When 
was  this  authority  bestowed  upon  Him? 
(i  Peter  2,  ■22;  Eph.  i  :20-22.)  Had  he  ever 
had  this  authority  before?  (John  17:5; 
Col.  1:16.)  How  had  He  lost  this  author- 
ity that  was  now  restored  to  Him?  (Phil. 
2:6-8;  2  Cor.  8:9.)     What  was  Jesus'  pur- 


340 


STUDIES  IN  THE   LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS   OF  OUR   LORD 


pose  in  mentioning  to  His  disciples  this  au- 
thority that  had  been  bestowed  upon  Him 
(v.  19)  ?  Why  was  the  fact  of  this  author- 
ity having  been  bestowed  upon  Him  a  rea- 
son for  their  going  and  making  disciples  ? 
What  is  the  first  thing  Jesus  bade  them  do? 
What  is  Jesus'  word  to  sinners?  Matt.  11: 
28.)  What  is  Jesus'  word  to  disciples? 
Whither  were  they  to  "go"?  (Mark  16: 
15.)  Have  the  disciples  of  Jesus  been  very 
faithful  to  this  commission?  How  far  is 
each  individual  to  go?  (Luke  24:47;  Mark 
16:15.)  How  can  any  one  of  us  go  into 
all  the  world?  (Eph.  6:18.)  What  was 
the  next  thing  they  were  to  do?  Tb'-ough 
what  were  men  to  be  made  disciples?  (Ro. 
I  :i6.)  As  soon  as  men  were  made  dis- 
ciples what  was  to  be  done?  Was  this 
mode  of  outward  profession  of  discipleship 
universal  in  the  early  church?  (Acts  2:38, 
39,  41;  8:12-16,  36-38;  9:18;  10:47.  48;  16: 
15.  .33;  19:3-5;  JMark  16:16.)  Who  com- 
mrr.ded  it?  Can  we  improve  upon  it? 
Hew  v\-ere  they  to  be  baptized  (R.  V.)  ? 
What  is  signified  by  being  baptized  "into 
the  name  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost"?  (Gal.  S-^?-)  Was 
this  intended  as  a  baptismal  formula? 
(Acts  2:38,  39.) 

Would  it  be  possible  to  couple  the  name 
of  any  finite  being  with  that  of  the  Deity 
in  the  way  in  which  that  of  the  Son  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  coupled  with  that  of 
the  Father  in  this  passage?  Are  these  three 
separate  personalities?  (c.  3:16,  17;  John 
14:16;  Eph.  2:18.)  What  would  be  the  re- 
sult where  one  became  a  disciple  and  was 
baptized?  (Mark  16:16.)  What  would  be 
the  result  where  one  refused  to  become  a 
disciple?  (Mark  16:16.)  What  did  Jesus 
bid  His  ambassadors  do  after  they  had 
made  disciples  of  men  and  baptized  them 
(v.  20)  ?  Which  comes  first  in  God's  order, 
discipling    men    or    teaching    them?      Do 


Christian  workers  ever  make  the  mistake 
of  trying  to  teach  men  before  they  have 
become  disciples?  Is  there  any  use  in  try- 
ing to  teach  men  the  truths  of  the  king- 
dom before  they  have  entered  Christ's 
school  as  disciples  by  the  door  of  repent- 
ance and  faith?  (i  Cor.  2:14.)  What 
were  they  to  teach  those  who  had  become 
disciples?  Were  they  merely  to  teach 
them  to  understand  and  believe  the  things 
that  Jesus  had  commanded  them?  (Com- 
pare James  i  :22.)  Does  mere  hearing  of 
the  words  of  Jesus  do  any  good?  (Matt. 
7:24-27.)  What  is  the  supreme  test  of  a 
real  knowledge  of  Jesus?  (i  John  2:3,  4.) 
What  is  the  supreme  test  of  love  to  Jesus? 
(John  14:21,  23.)  How  much  were  they 
to  teach  these  new  disciples  to  observe? 
(Compare  Deut.  12:32.)  How  much,  then, 
of  what  Jesus  had  commanded  the  apostles 
is  binding  upon  us? 

Is  the  command  given  in  these  verses 
to  "Go,  and  make  disciples  of  all  the  na- 
tions," binding  upon  us?  Is  the  command 
to  go  and  teach  others  to  observe  "all 
things  whatsoever"  Jesus  Himself  has  bid- 
den us  to  observe?  How  large  a  commis- 
sion was  it  that  Jesus  gave  these  men? 
How  much  influence  did  these  men  have? 
Were  they  competent  in  themselves  to  carry 
out  this  great  commission?  How  did  Jesus 
encourage  them  for  this  task  that  was  so 
far  beyond  their  strength?  Was  that  en- 
couragement enough?  Who  can  have  it? 
Would  they  have  had  any  warrant  to  take 
this  exceedingly  precious  promise  to  them- 
selves if  they  had  not  obeyed  the  command- 
ment that  went  with  it  and  was  a  condi- 
tion of  its  fulfillment?  When  only  have 
we  any  right  to  appropriate  this  promise? 
Is  this  promise  ever  divorced  from  its 
connection?  How  long  did  Jesus  promise 
to  be  vnth  His  faithful  servants?  (See 
R.  V.  margin.)     Will  He  not  be  with  us 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF   OUR   LORD 


341 


after  the  end  of  the  age?  (John  14:3; 
I  Thess.  4:16,  17.)  How  much  of  the  time 
did  Jesus  promise  to  be  with  His  disciples? 
(R.  V.  margin.)  What  will  be  the  result 
of  Jesus  being  with  us?  (Gen.  39:2,  3,  21; 
Josh.  1:5;  Is.  41:10;  Acts  18:9,  10;  2  Tim. 
4:17;  Mark  16:20.)  Who  is  it  who  in  the 
Old  Testament  promises  to  be  with  His 
people?  (Is.  41:10,  13,  14.)  Who  is  it  in 
the  New  Testament  promises  to  be  with 
His  people?  How  does  the  place  which 
Jesus  occupies  in  the  New  Testament 
thought  correspond  with  that  which  Jeho- 
vah occupies  in  Old  Testament  thought? 
Who,  then,  is  Jesus?  If  Jesus  is  with  all 
His  disciples  who  carry  out  His  commis- 
sion, where  must  He  be  ?  What,  then  must 
He  be?  With  what  word  does  v.  28  close 
in  the  Authorized  version?  Was  that  a 
part  of  the  original  Gospel?  Who  added 
it?  Why  did  this  transcriber  add  it?  Can 
you  help  adding  "Amen"  when  you  read 
this  wondrous  promise? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

Jesus  Christ. 

(i)     His  names  and  titles: 

Jesus,  5,  18;    the  Son,  19. 
(2)     His  nature: 

Divine;     a    Divine    name    ascribed    to 


Him,  19;  occupies  the  same  place  in 
New  Testament  thought  that  Jehovah 
occupies  in  Old  Testament  thought, 
20;  compare  Is.  41:10,  13,  14;  His 
name  coupled  with  that  of  the  Father 
in  a  way  in  which  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  couple  that  of  any  finite 
being  with  that  of  the  Deity,  19; 
a  divine  attribute,  omnipresence, 
ascribed  to  Him,  20;  divine  worship 
rendered  to  Him,  17. 
Human :  A  human  name  given  to 
Him,  16,  17. 

(3)  His  subordination  to  the  Father,  18, 
R.    V. 

(4)  His  authority: 

An  authority  in  heaven  and  on  earth, 
18  R.  V. 

(5)  His  commission  to  His  ambassadors  : 
Go,  19 ;  make  disciples  of  all  the  na- 
tions, 19,  R.  V. ;  baptize  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  19,  R.  V.; 
teach  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  command  you,  20,  R.  V. 

(6)  His  promise  to  His  obedient  serv- 
ants : 

"I  am  with  you  all  the  days,  unto  the 
end  of  the  age,"  20. 


LESSON  140. 

Jesus'  Last  Appearance  to  His  Disciples  in  Jerusalem,  and  His  Ascension 

from  Bethany.    Luke  24:44-53;   compare  Mark  16:19,  20;   Acts  1:1-14. 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  FACTS. 

7.  Jesus'  last  conversation  zvith  His  dis- 
ciples in  Jerusalem,  vv.  44-49- 

Of  what  two  things  did  Jesus  say  the 
events  which  had  occurred  were  a  fulfill- 
ment? Why  did  He  say,  "While  I  was 
yet  with  you"?     Was  He  not  "with  them" 


still?  Will  He  ever  be  with  us  again  in 
the  sense  He  had  been  with  the  eleven? 
(John  14:3;  I  Thess.  4:17.)  What  was  it 
He  had  said  while  He  was  yet  with  them? 
Hoiv  much  must  be  fulfilled?  Why  must 
they  all  be  fulfilled?  (John  10:35;  Titus 
1:2.)  Have  all  things  which  are  written 
in  the  Law,  etc.,  concerning  Jesus  been  ful- 


342 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR  LORD 


filled?  (e.  g.  Zech.  12:10;  14:3,  4-)  Where 
in  the  Old  Testament  did  Jesus  say  there 
were  prophecies  concerning  Himself?  To 
the  inspiration  of  what  portions  of  the  Old 
Testament  did  He  then  testify?  To  whose 
authorship  did  He  attribute  the  Law?  By 
how  many  of  the  prophets  had  God  borne 
testimony  concerning  Christ?  (Acts  3:18, 
24;  10:43.)  Where  in  the  Law  of  Moses 
is  there  anything  written  concerning  Him? 
(Gen.  3:15;  22:18;  Ex.  12:3,  5,  6,  7,  13; 
Deut.  18:15-19.)  Where  is  there  anything 
written  in  the  prophets  concerning  Him? 
[Is.  7:14;  9:6;  11:1-4,  10;  53:1-12;  61:1-3; 
Jer.  23:5;  Ezek.  34:23;  Dan.  9:24,  26; 
Hos.  3:5;  Joel  2:28-31;  Amos  9:11  (Ob. 
17);  Mic.  5:2;  Nah.  1:15;  Hab.  2:2-4; 
3:2-16;  Zeph.  3:8,  9,  17,  20;  Hag.  2:7; 
Zech.  6:12;  9:9;  Mai.  3:1-3.]  Where  in 
the  Psalms  is  there  anything  written  con- 
cerning Him?  (Ps.  16:10;  118:22,  etc.) 
What  are  the  main  facts  about  Jesus  to 
which  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures  bear 
witness?  (Acts  17:2,  3;  i  Peter  i:ii; 
divinity,  death,  resurrection,  coming  again.) 
What  is  the  spirit  of  all  prophecy?  (Rev. 
19:10.)  What  is  Jesus  recorded  in  the  45th 
verse  as  doing  for  His  disciples?  Before 
■we  can  understand  Scripture  what  must  be 
done  for  us?  Does  learning  and  digging 
into  the  text  enable  a  man  to  understand 
the  Scriptures?  (i  Cor.  2:14.)  How  did 
Jesus  open  the  minds  of  His  disciples  to 
understand  the  Scripture?  Can  Jesus  open 
the  eyes  of  men  today  as  well  as  when  He 
was  on  earth?  (John  16:7.)  How  does 
Jesus  nowadays  open  the  minds  of  men  to 
understand  the  Scriptures?  (John  14:26; 
16:13,  14;  I  Cor.  2:10,  II.)  What  can  we 
do  that  will  make  it  sure  that  Christ  will 
by  His  Spirit  open  our  minds  to  under- 
stand the  Scriptures?  (John  7:17;  Matt. 
11:25;  James  i:5-7;  Ps.  119:18.)  Have 
we  anything  to  do  with  opening  the  eyes 


of  men  to  see  the  truth?  (Acts  26:16,  18.) 
Why  do  men  need  to  have  their  eyes 
opened?  (2  Cor.  4:3,  4,  6.)  In  the  study 
of  any  passage  of  Scripture  what  is  the 
first  help  we  should  seek?  What  are  the 
points  of  Christ's  summary  of  what  had 
been  written  of  Him  (vv.  46,  47)  ?  Where 
had  it  been  written  that  He  should  rise 
again?  (Ps.  16:10;  compare  Acts  2  :25-3i ; 
Is.  53:10.)  Where  had  it  been  written  that 
He  should  rise  the  third  day?  (Compare 
Ps.  r6:io;  compare  John  11:39;  Acts  2:27: 
Hos.  6:2;  also  I  Cor.  15:4;  Jonah  1:17.) 
What  should  be  preached?  What  is  re- 
pentance? (Luke  11:32;  compare  Jonah 
3:5,  10;  2  Cor.  7:10;  Matt.  21:29.)  Ought 
we  to  preach  repentance?  (Acts  2:38; 
20:20,  21;  26:20.)  What  else  was  to  be 
preached?  What  does  remission  mean? 
(Ps.  103:12.)  Should  remission  of  sins  be 
preached  before  or  after  repentance?  (Com- 
pare Acts  16:29-31.)  What  is  the  first 
thing  to  show  the  sinner?  The  second? 
How  should  remission  be  preached?  What 
is  meant  by  "in  His  name"?  (Eph.  1:7.) 
Who  can  have  remission  in  His  name? 
(Acts  10:43.)  How  widely  should  remis- 
sion be  preached?  Has  the  church  been 
faithful  to  this  part  of  its  commission? 
Who  is  to  blame?  Is  there  any  hint  in  the 
Old  Testament  of  this  universal  reach  of 
the  Gospel?  (Ps.  22  :27;  67  :2-4;  Is.  2:1-3; 
ii:io;  49:6,  etc.)  Where  should  a  begin- 
ning be  made?  Why  at  Jerusalem?  (Acts 
13:46.)  Is  there  any  practical  lesson  for 
us  in  that  they  were  to  begin  at  Jerusalem? 
Were  they  to  stop  at  Jerusalem?  What 
was  the  office  of  the  disciples  to  be?  What 
is  a  witness's  business?  (Acts  22:15;  i 
John  1 :3.)  To  what  especially  were  the 
apostles  to  bear  testimony?  (Acts  1:22; 
2:32;  3:15;  4:33;  5:32;  13:31)  What  is 
the  Gospel  primarily,  facts  or  theories?  (i 
Cor.    15:1,   3,   4.)      How   are   facts   to   be 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


343 


proven  by  argument  or  testimony?  To 
what  facts  principally  is  it  the  duty  of  the 
Christian  today  to  testify?  Is  the  saving 
power  of  Christ  to  be  proven  by  argument 
or  testimony?  What  is  the  first  qualifica- 
tion of  a  good  witness  ?  What  qualification 
for  witnessing  had  the  disciples  at  this 
time?  What  other  qualification  was  it 
necessary  they  should  have?  From  whom 
were  they  to  get  it?  In  what  was  Christ 
to  give  it?  (Acts  i  :8.)  How  necessary 
was  it  that  they  should  have  this  qualifica- 
tion? What  does  the  word  translated 
"tarry"  mean  literally?  Was  it  not  wast- 
ing time  to  "sit  still"?  When  is  sitting 
still  not  wasting  time?  What  would  be 
the  result  of  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Spirit? 
(Acts  1 :8.)  Would  they  have  had  power 
if  they  had  gone  before  the  Holy  Spirit 
came?  Why  is  it  so  many  of  us  have  so 
little  power  in  our  testimony?  What  does 
"endued"  mean?  Can  we  be  endued  with 
this  power?  (Acts  2:38,  39.)  What  did 
the  Apostles  have  to  base  their  faith  upon 
that  they  would  receive  this  power?  What 
have  we  to  base  our  faith  upon?  How 
can  we  get  this  "power  from  on  high"? 
(Acts  2  :38,  39 ;  Gal.  3  :2 ;  Is.  44 :3 ;  Acts 
5:32;  Luke  11:13;  James  1:6,  7.) 

2.     The  ascension,  vv.  50-53. 

WTiere  was  the  final  scene  of  Christ's 
meeting  with  His  disciples?  What  hap- 
pened at  Bethany?  What  was  He  doing  as 
He  parted  from  them?  What  did  Christ 
enter  heaven  for?  (Heb.  9:24;  John  14:2.) 
Has  the  ascension  of  Jesus  anything  to  do 
with  the  believer's  security?  (Ro.  8:34.) 
What  are  the  four  facts  upon  which  the 
believer's  security  rests?  (Ro.  8:34;  Acts 
i:ii;  Heb.  9:28.)  Did  Jesus  Christ  go 
back  to  heaven  just  as  He  came  from 
heaven?  In  Christ  what  is  now  seated  on 
the   throne   with    God?     Of    what    is    His 


presence  upon  the  throne  a  guarantee? 
(John  12:26;  Rev.  3:21.)  What  five 
things  are  the  disciples  represented  as  do- 
ing? (vv.  52,  S3;  worshipping,  obeying, 
rejoicing,  abiding  in  the  temple,  praising 
God.)  Why  did  the  disciples  worship 
Jesus  just  at  this  point?  Were  they  right 
in  supposing  His  ascension  demonstrated 
His    divinity? 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  TEACHINGS. 

1.  God. 

(i)     The  Father: 
Promises  the  Holy  Spirit,  49;    receives 
the  praises  of  His  children,  53. 

(2)  The  Son : 

The  One  to  whom  Moses,  the  prophets 
and  psalmists  point  forward,  44 ;  cru- 
cified, 46;  risen,  46;  ascended,  51; 
purchases  remission  of  sin,  47 ;  opens 
the  mind  to  understand  the  Scrip- 
tures, 45;  gives  the  Holy  Spirit,  49; 
is  worshipped  as  divine,  52. 

(3)  The   Holy   Spirit: 
Endues  men  with  power,  49. 

2.  Scripture. 
Its  certainty: 

Not  one  jot  or  tittle  can  fail,  44. 
Its  absolute  authority: 

Christ  guarantees  it,  44. 
Its  only  infalHble  interpreter : 

Jesus,  45. 
Its  central  subject: 

Jesus  Christ,  44. 

3.  The  believer. 
What  he  has  done: 

Repented,  47. 
What  he  has  received : 

Remission,  47. 
What  he  should  seek: 

Mind  opened,  45. 


dii 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


Whom  he  will  worship: 
Jesus   Christ,  52. 

Whom  he  will  bless: 
God,  53. 

What  he  is  to  be: 

A  witness,  48. 
What  he  is  to  believe. 

A  crucified  Christ,  46;  a  risen  Christ, 
46;  an  ascended  Christ,  51;  the 
whole  Bible,  44. 


What  he  is  to  preach: 

Repentance,  47 ;  remission  in  His  name, 
47;    Christ,  48. 
What  he  has  to  rely  upon : 
Power  from  on  high,  49. 
What  he  has  to  do : 

Sit  still  until  endued  with  power,  etc., 
49;    rejoice  greatly,  52. 
What  he  can  base  his  assurance  upon : 
Death,  resurrection,  ascension  and  com- 
ing again  of  Christ. 


TEXTUAL   INDEX. 

The  references  indicated  by  asterisks  (*)  are  passages  to  be  compared  with  those  upon 

which  the  lessons  themselves  are  based. 

MATTHEW                                                           LESSON  page  lesson  page 

*20:29-34  101  224     9:14-29  60  132 

LESSON  PAGE  *21:1-11  105  232   *  9:30-35  61  135 

2:1-18  2  9  *21  :12-22  106  235   *10  :1  69  152 

*  2:23  5  14  21:23-46  107  238   *10  :2-16  97  214 

♦3:1-12  6  16  22:1-14  lOS  242    10:17-27  98  216 

*  3:13-17  7  18  22:15-22  109  244    *10:28-31  99  218 

4  :1-11  8  19  22  :23-46  110  247    10  :32-45  100  222 

*  4  :18-20  18  41  23  :l-36  Ill  250   *10  :46-52  101  224 

*  4  :23  20  45  *24  :l-28  113  258   *11  :1-11  105  232 

5  :1-16  27  60  24  :29-51  114  261    11  :12-26  106  235 

5  :17-48  28  62  *24  :43-51  80  177    *12 :18-37  110  24T 

6:1-18  29  64  25:1-13  115  263   »13  :l-23  113  258 

6:19-34  30  67  25:14-30  116  205    *13  :24-37  114  261 

7:1-12  31  68  25:31-46  117  268    14:3-0  104  231 

*  7  :7-12  77  171  26:6-10  104  231    *14  :12-26  118  271 

7  :13-29  32  70  *26  :17-30  118  271    *14  :1S-21  120  277 

*  8:1-4  20  45  *2G  :21-25  120  277    *14  :32-42  127  300 

*  8  :1-13  33  72  20  :36-46  127  300    14  :43-54  128  302 

*  8  :14-17  19  43  *2ii  :47-56  128  302    14  :55-65  129  306 

*  8  :lS-27  . 42  91  *26 :57-67  129  306    14  :66-72  128  302 

*  8 :19-22  69  152  *20 :60-75  128  302    *15  :l-20  130  301 

*  8  :28-34  43  93  *27  :2  130  309   *15  :16-19  131  312 

*9:1  45  98  *27  :11-31  130  309   *15 :21-32  132  315 

*  9  :l-8  21  46  *27  :25-30  131  312    *15  :33-41  133  317 

*  9  :9-17  22  49  *27  :32-44  ... 1.32  315    *15  :42-47  1.34  319 

*  9 :18-19  45  98  27  :45-56  133  317    *16  :1-11  135  322 

*  9:20-22  44  96  27:61-66  134  319   •16:15-18  139  339 

♦9:23-26  45  98  *28  :1-15  135  322    ♦16:19,  20 140  341 

9  :27-34  46  100  28  :16-i:o  . 139  339 

9:35-10:10  ....  47  102  LUKE 

•10:2-4  26  58            MARK 

♦11:2-19  35  76            ^yii^i^i^                                  2:1-20  3  11 

11  :25-30  71  157  ♦I  :l-8  6  1  ;     2  :21-39  4  12 

♦12:1-14  25  56     1:9-11  7  18     2:40-52  5  14 

♦12:1.5-21  26  58  ^1:12,  13 S  19     3:1-18  6  16 

♦12 :22-50  37  80  ♦I  :16-20  18  41   ♦  3 :21-23  7  18 

13  :l-23  38  82     1  :21-35  IC^  43   ♦  4  :1-13  8  19 

♦13 :16-17  71  157     1  :36-45  20  45     4  :16-32  17  39 

13  :24-30  39  85     2  :1-12  21  46    ♦  4  :31-41  19  43 

13 :31-33  40  87  ♦  2 :13-22  22  49   ♦  4  :42-44  20  45 

13:36-43  39  85     2:23—3:6  25  56     5:1-11  18  41 

13 :44-52  41  88     3 :7-19  26  58   ♦  5 :17-26  21  46 

•13 :54-58  46  100     3 :20-35  37  80     5 :27-39  22  49 

♦14:1-12  48  104  ♦  4:1-20  38  82   ♦  6:1-11  25  56 

♦14 :13-21  49  107     4 :26-29  40  87   ♦  6 :12-19  26  58 

14  :22-36  50  109     4  :35-41  42  91     7 :1-10  33  72 

♦15:1-20 53  117     5:1-20  43  93     7:11-17  34  74 

15:21-28  54  119     5:21-23  45  98     7:18-35  35  76 

15  :29-31  55  121     5  :24-34  44  96     7  :36-50  36  78 

♦15  :32-.39  55  121     5  :35-43  45  98    ♦  8  :4-15  38  82 

16:1-12  56  123     6:1-6  46  100    ♦  8:22-25  42  91 

16 :1.3-20  57  126     6 :14-29  48  104    ♦  8  :26-39  43  93 

16  :21-28  58  128     6 :30-44  49  107    ♦  8  :40-42  45  98 

17  :1-13  59  1.30  ♦  6  :45-56  50  109    ♦  8 :4.3-48  44  96 

•17  :14-20  60  132     7  :l-23  53  117   ♦  8 :49-56  45  98 

17:22—18:14  ...  61  135  ♦  7:24-30  54  119   *  9:7-9  48  104 

18 :15-35  62  137     7 :31— 8 :10 55  121   ♦  9 :10-17  49  107 

♦19:1-2  69  152  ♦  8:10-21  56  123    ♦  9:18-21  57  126 

19  :.3-15  97  214     8 :22-26  56  123    ♦  9  :22-27  58  128 

♦19:16-26  98  216  ♦8:27-30  57  126    ♦  9  :28-.36  59  1.30 

19  :27— 20  :16  ...  99  218  ♦  8  :31— 9  :1  58  128    ♦  9  :37-43  60  132 

♦20 :17-28  100  222  ♦  9 :2-13  59  130   ♦  9 :43-50  61  135 

346 


STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  OUR   LORD 


347 


LESSON 

PAGE 

LESSON 

PAGE 

LHSSON 

PAGE 

9  :51-62  

0!» 

152     * 

21  :37-38 

106 

235 

7  :25-36  .  .  . 

64 

142 

10:1-16  

70 

155 

22:7-20  . 

118 

271 

7  :37-53  .  .  . 

....  65 

144 

10  :17-24  

71 

157    * 

22:21-23 

120 

27'» 

8  :12-24  .  .  . 

66 

146 

10 :25-37  

72 

159    * 

22  :39-45 

127 

300 

8  :25-47  .  .  . 

67 

148 

10  :38-42  

73 

161    * 

22  :47-62 

128 

302 

8:48-59  ... 

68 

151 

11:1-13  

77 

171    * 

22  :54-56 

129 

306 

9  :1-41  

74 

163 

*ll:14-36  

37 

80 

22  :63-65 

129 

306 

10  :1-21  

75 

166 

12:13-21  

78 

173 

23  '1-25 

130 

309 

10  :22-43  .  . . 

76 

168 

12  :22-34  

7!t 

175 

23  :  20-38 

132 

315 

11:1-16  

91 

202 

12  :3.j-48  

SO 

177 

23  :39-45 

133 

317 

11  :17-45  .  . . 

92 

205 

13:1-17  

81 

180    * 

23  :47-49 

133 

317 

11  :46-57  .  .  . 

93 

208 

13  :22-35  

82 

182    * 

23  :50-56 

134 

319 

*11:55— 12:11 

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2S1 

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83 

185    * 

23  :56— 24 

:12  .. .135 

322 

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105 

232 

14:7-14  

84 

187 

24  :  13-35 

136 

327 

12  :20-50  .  .  . 

112 

254 

14  :15-24  

85 

189 

24  :44-53 

140 

341 

13:1-17  

119 

274 

14  :2ri-35  

86 

192 

13  :18-.38  .  .  . 

120 

277 

15:1-10  

87 

193 

JOHN 

14:1-15  

121 

279 

15:11-24  

88 

195 

14:15-27  ... 

122 

283 

16:1-18  

89 

197 

1  :1-1S  . 

1 

7 

15  :1-17  

123 

286 

16 :19-31  

90 

200    * 

1  :  19-34 

9 

21 

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124 

290 

17:11-19  

94 

210 

1  :35-51 

10 

23 

16  :7-33  

125 

292 

18:1-8  

95 

212 

2:1-12  . 

11 

26 

17:1-26  

126 

295 

18  :9-14  

96 

213 

2  :  13-25 

12 

28 

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128 

302 

*18:15-17  

97 

214 

3  :1-21  . 

13 

30 

*  18:28-39  ... 

130 

309 

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98 

216 

4:1-30  . 

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131 

312 

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99 

218 

4  :31-42 

15 

35 

*19:16-23  ... 

132 

315 

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100 

222 

4  :43-54 

16 

37 

*19  :25-30  .  .  . 

133 

317 

18  :;:.-,-43  

101 

224 

5:1-16  . 

23 

51 

19  :31-42  .  .  . 

134 

319 

10:1-10  

102 

226 

5  :17-47 

24 

53 

20:1-18  .... 

135 

322 

19:11-28  

103 

229    * 

6:1-13  . 

49 

107 

20  :19-31  .  .  . 

137 

331 

19  :2!)-44  

105 

232 

6  :14-21 

50 

109 

21  :l-24  

138 

335 

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106 

235 

6  :22-51 

51 

111 

*20  :20-44  

110 

247 

6  :52-71 

52 

114 

ACT'5 

21  :5-24  

113 

258    * 

6  :67-69 

57 

126 

♦21:25-36  

.114 

261 

7  :l-24  . 

63 

l-±0 

*  1:1  14  

....140 

341 

Books  of  Dr.  R.  A.  Torrey 

Dean  of  the  Bible  Institute  of  Los  Angeles 


How  to  Work  for  Christ 

The  result  of  the  experience  of  years  in 
pastoral,  evangelistic,  missionary  and  open  air 
work. 

Cloth,    $2.50 

Revival  Addresses 

The   most   effective   sermons   that   Dr.   Torrey 
delivered    in    his     around-the-world    evangelistic 
campaign. 
Paper,  50c;  cloth,  $1.00 

The  Bible  and  Its  Christ 

Dr.    Torrey's    addresses    to    business,    profes- 
sional   and    university    men. 
Paper,    25c;    cloth,    75c 

The  Person  and  Work  of  the  Holy  Spirit 

A  thorough  study  of  all  that  the  Bible  has 
to  teach  about  the  Person  and  Work  of  the 
Holy   Spirit   as   tested   by   personal   experience. 

Cloth,    $1.00 

What  the  Bible  Teaches 

The  only  book  of  its  kind.  All  that  the 
Bible  gives  on  each  of  the  great  doctrines  is 
brought   together  and  the   teaching   summarized. 

Cloth,    $2.50 

How  to  Study  the  Bible 
for  Greatest  Profit 

This  has  been  pronounced  the  most  thorough 
book  that  there  is  on  the  subject  of  Bible  study, 
and  yet  it  is  so  simple  that  the  ordinary 
believer    can    understand    it. 

Cloth,    75c 

The  Return  of  the  Lord  Jesus 

A  sane,  systematic  and  thorough  presenta- 
tion of  the  teaching  of  the  Bible  regarding  the 
Second    Coming    of    Christ. 

Paper,   25c;   cloth,   50c 

Personal  Work 

The  rnost  comprehensive  book  that  there  is 
on    individual    dealing    with    men. 

Cloth,    $1.00 

How  to  Bring  Men  to  Christ 

A  plain,  simple,  forceful  treatise  on  the  sub- 
ject   of   personal    work. 

Paper,    15c;    cloth,    75c 

Practical  and  Perplexing 
Questions   Answered 

This  book  takes  up  the  questions  that  young 
Christians    are    constantly    asking. 

Paper,    15c;    cloth,    50c 

Difficulties   and  Alleged 
Contradictions   in   the  Bible 

This  takes  up  one  by  one  all  of  the  most 
important  objections  which  the  modern  infidel 
urges    against    the    Bible. 

Paper,    15c;   cloth,    50c 

Real    Salvation 

A    second    volume    of    evangelistic    addresses. 
Paper,  50c;  cloth,  $1.00 
How  to  Pray 

A  plain  but  thorough  study  of  the  subject 
of   prayer. 

Paper,    15c;    cloth,    50c 

Ought   Christians 

to  Keep   the   Sabbath? 

A  Scriptural  answer  to  the  position  of  the 
Seventh    Day    Adventists. 

Paper,     10c 

Order  from  the  BIOLA  BOOK 


The  Wondrous  Joy 
of  Soul  Winning 

Dr.  Torrey's  latest  book.  It  will  stir  Chris- 
tians up  to  go  to  work  to  bring  others  to  Christ. 
Cloth,    50c 

Anecdotes   and   Illustrations 

A  very  popular  book,  giving  some  of  the 
very  best  illustrations  that  Dr.  Torrey  has 
used    in    his    sermons    and    addresses. 

Paper,    35c;   cloth,   75c 

How  to  Succeed  in 
the  Christian  Life 

The  best  book  we  know  to  put  into  the 
hands  of  the  young  convert,  and  even  in  the 
hands    of    more    mature    Christians. 

Paper,    25c;    cloth,    50c 

The  Gist  of  the  Lesson 

A  concise  exposition  of  the  International 
Sunday     School     lessons     for     the     year. 

Leatherette,    25c;    interleaved,    50c 

A  Vest  Pocket  Companion 
for  Christian  Workers 

The  best  texts  for  personal  work  are  here 
classified  for  practical  use,  printed  in  full  and 
arranged    for    ready    reference. 

Long,   18mo,  flexible  leatherette,  25c 

How  to   Obtain 
Fulness  of  Power 

A  book  helpful  in  training  in  Christian  life 
and    service    those   who   have   come    to   Christ. 

Cloth,    50c 

The  Higher  Criticism 
and  New  Theology 

Edited  by  Dr.  R.  A.  Torrey.  Chapters  by 
many  of  the  leading  conservative  scholars  on 
both    sides    of    the    water. 

Paper,    15c;    cloth,    50c 

The   New   Topical   Text   Book 

Cloth,   30c;   leather,   75c 

The  Baptism  with   the   Holy   Spirit 

Cloth,    50c 

The   Baptism   with   the   Holy   Spirit 

(Tract).      Outline    study. 

12    for    10c 

The  Holy  Spirit  in  Personal  Experience 

Paper,  3c;  12  for  30c 

How  to  Promote  and  Conduct  a 
Successful  Revival 

Cloth,     $1.00 

The  Second  Coming  of  Christ 

(Tract).  Good  to  awaken  interest  in  the 
subject. 

Paper,  5c;   12  for  50c 

Is  the  Present  "Tongues" 
Movement  of  God? 

This    question    is    answered    from    the    Bible. 

Paper,   2c;    12   for   15c 

God's   Sure  Promise 

Very  useful  for  young  converts.  Inquirers* 
card  perforated  so  that  it  can  be  easily  torn 
off,    is    attached. 

Paper,   12  for  5c 

How  Dr.  Torrey  Became  an  Evangelist 

This    was    written   by    himself   at    the    request 
of    the    publishers    for    circulation    in    connection 
with  the  great  Los  Angeles  tabernacle  campaign 
conducted    by    him    in    1908. 
12    for    10c 

ROOM,  Los  Angeles,  California. 


Date  Due 

Wi'-^ux  i  1/  05 

\ 

f) 

PRINTED 

IN  U.  S.  A 

